Massachusetts recognizes an implied warranty of habitability and gives tenants strong remedies. Under M.G.L. c. 111 § 127L, after certified code violations and proper notice, a tenant may make repairs and deduct the cost from rent — up to four months' rent in any 12-month period — and may also withhold rent.
Massachusetts law implies a warranty of habitability requiring rental housing to meet the State Sanitary Code. Under M.G.L. c. 111 § 127L, when a violation is certified by a board of health, code enforcement agency, or court and the tenant gives written notice, but the owner "has failed to begin all necessary repairs... within five days after such notice, and to substantially complete all necessary repairs within fourteen days," the tenant may make repairs and deduct the cost. The statute caps this: "A tenant may not deduct pursuant to this section an amount greater than four months' rent in any twelve-month period." Tenants may also withhold rent for serious code violations and assert habitability as a defense to eviction. Violations caused by the tenant, household, guests, or invitees are excluded.
No specific monetary penalty under § 127L; the tenant's remedy is the repair-and-deduct (up to four months' rent per 12 months) plus the right to withhold rent and raise habitability defenses in a summary process action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge treats persistent barking as a noise violation under Chapter 8.16 and an animal nuisance under Chapter 6.04; owners of chronically barking dogs fac...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 2024, requiring all landscapers and residents to switch to electric models, with time and decibel restrictions r...
Cambridge, MA
Outdoor music events in Cambridge require a one-day entertainment license from the License Commission, with end times typically capped at 10 PM on weeknights...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge reserves designated EV charging station spaces for actively charging electric vehicles only, and new large developments must provide EV-ready parki...
See how Cambridge's repairs & habitability rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.