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.
Newton, MA
Industrial and commercial noise in Newton must meet property-line decibel limits by zoning district, with mechanical equipment, HVAC, and loading docks close...
Newton, MA
Newton follows the state stretch energy code requiring EV-ready wiring in new construction. Residential Level 2 chargers need electrical permits; commercial ...
Newton, MA
Under MGL c.90 s.22D, Newton can tow vehicles left on public ways for more than 72 hours. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles on private property must be sto...
Newton, MA
Newton requires curb cut permits from DPW for new driveways, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family homes. Impervious surface coverage is limited b...
Newton, MA
Massachusetts MGL Chapter 49 governs boundary fences between neighbors, establishing shared maintenance where fences are mutual and providing fence viewer pr...
Newton, MA
Retaining walls in Newton over 4 feet in height measured from footing to top require a building permit and engineered design per 780 CMR.
See how Newton's rent increase notice rules stack up against other locations.
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