Rent control rules in New Bedford, MA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Rent control is banned statewide in Massachusetts under MGL c. 40P (1994 ballot initiative). Bristol County landlords may raise rents with proper notice. Tenant protections under MGL c. 186 apply.
Massachusetts voters banned rent control statewide in 1994 via ballot Question 9 (codified as MGL c. 40P, the Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act). Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and every Bristol County municipality are barred from imposing rent caps or regulated-tenancy status on private rental housing. Landlords may raise rents at lease expiration or on 30 days' written notice for tenancies-at-will (MGL c. 186 §12). No maximum increase exists — market rate applies. Tenants retain protections: security deposits capped at one month's rent and held in separate interest-bearing accounts (MGL c. 186 §15B); habitability under 105 CMR 410 (State Sanitary Code); anti-retaliation under MGL c. 186 §18; and Summary Process eviction procedures (MGL c. 239). Fall River and New Bedford have active Housing Court sessions. Periodic legislative efforts to repeal Ch. 40P have not succeeded.
Local rent-control attempts preempted under MGL c. 40P. Landlord violations of notice: tenant may challenge in Housing Court. Retaliatory increases after complaint: treble damages under MGL c. 186 §18.
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