← All states
MA · State profile
Massachusetts landlord rules
1 of 10 values below carries a source-confirmed statute citation. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
No late fee can be charged for first 30 days. Application fees prohibited; deposits held in interest-bearing escrow.
Deposits, fees, and notices
Security deposit limit
Unverified reference value
1× monthly rent
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-07
Within 30 days after the tenancy (occupancy) ends, return the deposit or balance with a written, itemized statement of deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond reasonable wear and tear. Among the strictest in the nation: a separate interest-bearing account is required, and technical violations can trigger TREBLE damages plus 5% interest, costs, and attorney fees.
M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B. Commonwealth of Massachusetts (official) ↗
MA is unusually punitive on technicalities (separate account, receipts, interest); strongly counsel-review before relying on any MA deposit citation publicly.
Reference value on file: 30 days after move-out
Late fees
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap (reasonableness standard); 30 days grace
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Rent-increase notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Month-to-month termination notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Pay-or-quit notice
Unverified reference value
14 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Non-emergency entry notice
Unverified reference value
Reasonable notice
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Application fee limit
Unverified reference value
$0
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Statewide rent regulation
Unverified reference value
No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Separate pet deposit
Unverified reference value
Not permitted as a separate charge
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Payments, fair housing, and licensing
Card surcharges on rent
Card surcharges banned
MA Gen L ch 140D §28a outright ban.
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
Protected statewide
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
MA broker license required; limited exemptions exist.
Massachusetts next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the same reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see its citations.
| Rule | Massachusetts | Connecticut | New Hampshire | New York | Rhode Island | Vermont |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | 1× monthly rent | 2× monthly rent | 1× monthly rent | 1× monthly rent | 1× monthly rent | No statewide cap |
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 14 days after move-out | 20 days after move-out | 14 days after move-out |
| Late fees | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard); 30 days grace | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard); 9 days grace | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | Capped at 5% of monthly rent or $50; 5 days grace | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard); 15 days grace | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) |
| Rent-increase notice | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 90 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Non-emergency entry notice | Reasonable notice | 24 hours | Reasonable notice | 24 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Pay-or-quit notice | 14 days | 3 days | 7 days | 14 days | 5 days | 14 days |
| Source-of-income protection | Protected statewide | Protected statewide | No statewide protection on file | Protected statewide | Protected statewide | No statewide protection on file |
| Card surcharges on rent | Card surcharges banned | Card surcharges banned | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed only with inclusive total pricing | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits |
Lease disclosures on file
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Statement of Condition (Tenant Lead Law Notification)
• Fire insurance certificate
Run the numbers
Security deposit calculator
Late fee calculator
Rent increase calculator
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Educational information only, not legal advice. Laws, local ordinances, court interpretations, and the facts of a tenancy can change the result. Verify the current binding text and obtain advice from a qualified local professional before acting.