Massachusetts has no rent-increase statute by name, but a landlord cannot raise rent on a tenant at will (month-to-month) without first terminating the existing tenancy by proper notice. That notice must equal one full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer, and the tenant must agree to the new rent.
There is no dedicated rent-increase statute in Massachusetts. For a tenancy at will, rent can only be increased after the existing tenancy is terminated under M.G.L. c. 186 § 12: if rent 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." A landlord typically serves a notice to quit that may include an offer of a new tenancy at a higher rent; the statute says inclusion of such an offer does not invalidate the notice. There is no legally enforceable increase unless the tenant agrees to it. Statewide rent control has been prohibited since 1994.
No specific statutory penalty for an improper rent-increase notice; an increase imposed without a valid termination notice and tenant agreement is unenforceable, and the tenant may contest it in court.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
See how Boston's rent increase notice rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.