3 rules for unincorporated Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Worcester County MA has no rent control. MGL c. 40P (the 1994 ballot-initiative-enacted Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act) prohibits all municipalities from imposing rent control or vacancy control. Legislation to repeal c. 40P has been filed but not passed. Landlords may raise rent at lease renewal or with 30-day notice for tenants-at-will, subject to MGL c. 186 notice rules and anti-retaliation protections under MGL c. 186, §18.
MGL c. 40P — The Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act
Chapter 40P: THE MASSACHUSETTS RENT CONTROL PROHIBITION ACT. Section 1 Title. Section 2 Purpose. Section 3 Definition of rent control. Section 4 General prohibition; exception. Section 5 Preemption. (Part I, Title VII, Cities, Towns and Districts, Chapter 40P — The Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act, enacted by Massachusetts General Laws.)
Worcester County MA follows statewide eviction procedures under MGL c. 239 (summary process) and MGL c. 186 (notice requirements). Massachusetts does not have statewide just-cause eviction, though a proposal (H.1357/S.872) has been filed. Landlords may terminate tenancy-at-will without cause with 30 days' written notice. For-cause evictions (nonpayment, lease violation) have shorter notice. Self-help evictions are illegal under MGL c. 186, §14 with treble damages.
Worcester County MA rental registration varies by municipality. MA has no statewide rental registry, but state sanitary code (105 CMR 410) governs habitability. The City of Worcester operates a Rental Property Registration Program under Revised Ordinances Chapter 9 requiring owners of 1-3 unit rentals to register annually. Fitchburg, Leominster, Webster, Southbridge, and Gardner have similar programs. Pre-1978 properties require lead paint compliance under MGL c. 111, §§190-199.
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