Rent Control: Somerville vs Waltham
How do rent control rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Somerville and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Rent control is prohibited statewide under MGL c.40P. Somerville has advocated for and passed local measures, but none can be enforced without state action.
View full Somerville rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham cannot enact rent control because Massachusetts MGL Chapter 40P (the 1994 voter referendum) prohibits all forms of residential rent control statewide.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| State law | MGL c.40P prohibits rent control | - |
| Local authority | None without state action | - |
| Notice to raise rent | 30 days for tenants at will | - |
| Security deposit | MGL c.186 s.15B caps at 1 month | - |
| Habitability | 105 CMR 410 enforced | - |
| State Prohibition | - | MGL c.40P since 1994 |
| Local Authority | - | None, cannot enact |
| Rent Increases | - | Unlimited subject to lease |
| Subsidy Programs | - | Section 8, public housing only |
| Tenant Help | - | RAFT emergency assistance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Can my Somerville landlord raise the rent any amount?
Yes under current Massachusetts law, with at least 30 days written notice for tenants at will. Leased tenants cannot have rent raised mid-lease. Retaliation for complaints is illegal.
Is rent stabilization coming to Somerville?
The City Council has supported home-rule petitions seeking state authorization, but rent control cannot be enforced locally until and unless the Massachusetts Legislature repeals or amends MGL c.40P.
Waltham FAQ
Does Waltham have rent control?
No. Massachusetts law (MGL c.40P) prohibits all rent control statewide since 1994. Waltham cannot legally adopt any form of rent regulation.
Can my Waltham landlord raise my rent as much as they want?
Yes, at lease renewal, with proper notice (typically 30 days for tenant-at-will). Mid-lease increases are not allowed unless the lease provides for them.
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