Rent control rules in Boston, MA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Massachusetts banned municipal rent control statewide through a 1994 ballot initiative (Question 9). Boston, which previously had rent control since 1970, cannot regulate rents or impose rent stabilization measures. There are no caps on rent increases for market-rate units in Boston.
Boston had rent control from 1970 until 1997 when the statewide ban took full effect. In 1994, Massachusetts voters approved Question 9, which amended MGL c.40P to prohibit any city or town from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing rent control. The ballot measure passed by a narrow margin (51-49%) and decontrolled approximately 28,000 rent-controlled units in Boston. Since then, Boston has been unable to impose any form of rent regulation, including rent stabilization, rent caps, or anti-gouging measures. Multiple attempts to restore rent control through state legislation have been filed but none have passed as of 2025. The City of Boston has instead relied on inclusionary development requirements (creating affordable units in new developments), city-funded rental assistance programs, and the Boston Housing Authority's public housing and Section 8 voucher programs to address housing affordability. Mayor Wu has been a vocal advocate for restoring local rent stabilization authority.
Not applicable — there are no rent control provisions to violate in Boston. Landlords may raise rents by any amount with proper notice (30 days for month-to-month tenancies). Discriminatory rent increases may violate fair housing laws.
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