Rent control rules in Lowell, MA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Rent control is prohibited statewide in Massachusetts under MGL c.40P (1994 ballot law), so Lowell cannot cap rent, but landlord-tenant rights are governed by MGL c.186 and c.239.
Massachusetts voters banned rent control statewide in 1994 through Chapter 40P of the General Laws, which preempts any city or town from imposing rent control, rent stabilization, or vacancy controls on private housing. Lowell therefore has no rent cap, and landlords can raise rent to any amount at the end of a lease with proper notice. Tenants are still protected by MGL c.186 which governs security deposits (capped at one month plus last month plus a lockable-key fee), by MGL c.239 which sets the summary process for evictions, and by 940 CMR 3.17 consumer protection rules. Notice to quit for tenants at will is generally 30 days or one full rental period, whichever is longer. Lowell Health Department handles sanitary code complaints.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle rent control.
See how Lowell's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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