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.
Chelsea, MA
Construction noise regulated under Chelsea Code Ch. 16 and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Standard hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM; no construction on Sund...
Chelsea, MA
Barking dogs addressed under Chelsea Code Ch. 4 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking is a civil nuisance complaint under MGL c. 140. ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea enforces noise complaints through Chapter 16 (Miscellaneous Offenses). No single statewide decibel limit applies; the city relies on MassDEP 310 CMR ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea is in the flight path of Boston Logan International Airport (about 1 mile west). Aircraft noise is governed by federal FAA regulations and Massport; ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea has a citywide residential parking sticker program under Code §13-4.2. The Chelsea Waterfront District requires sticker parking 8 AM–6 PM Mon–Fri. St...
Chelsea, MA
Abandoned vehicles on public ways subject to state law MGL c. 90 §22C (72-hour threshold). Chelsea enforces through its ISD and Police Department. Inoperable...
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