To end a tenancy at will (month-to-month), Massachusetts requires written notice equal to one full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer, under M.G.L. c. 186 § 12. Fixed-term leases generally end on their stated expiration date without separate notice unless the lease says otherwise.
Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 12, a tenancy at will may be terminated by written notice. If "the rent reserved is payable at periods of less than three months, the time of such notice shall be sufficient if it is equal to the interval between the days of payment or thirty days, whichever is longer." For a typical month-to-month tenancy, that means at least 30 days' (or one full rental period's) written notice, given by either landlord or tenant. The statute also allows the notice to include an offer of a new tenancy on different terms without invalidating it. A fixed-term lease ordinarily ends on its own expiration date; if the tenant stays on with the landlord's consent, a tenancy at will is created and § 12 notice rules then apply.
No specific statutory penalty; a termination notice that does not meet the § 12 interval (one rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer) is defective and will not support a no-fault eviction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is decl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford declares habitual barking dogs a public nuisance under the city ordinance. The keeping of any dog which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or ...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates construction noise under its general ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise and disturb the neighbor...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on th...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under §23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must compl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-stree...
See how New Bedford's lease termination & notice to vacate rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.