Massachusetts Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Massachusetts
📋
Massachusetts has strong tenant protections. Security deposit strictly limited to 1 month. Landlord owes interest on deposit. Repair-and-deduct available. "Warranty of Habitability" implied.
Security Deposit Max
1 month's rent
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
Not required
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
✅
Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent — strict enforcement, interest owed
Strong Protection
🔵
Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out
Protection Exists
🔵
Entry Notice Required
Reasonable notice (24h best practice)
Protection Exists
❌
Rent Control
Banned by 1994 ballot initiative (Question 9)
No Protection
🔵
Repair & Deduct
Allowed via Sanitary Code process
Protection Exists
⚠️
Just Cause Eviction
Not required (but notice requirements exist)
Limited Protection
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Massachusetts tenant rights🔍 MA security deposit law🔍 Massachusetts eviction rules