Massachusetts MGL Ch. 151B §4 prohibits Boston landlords from refusing tenants based on use of housing subsidies including Section 8, MRVP, or veterans' benefits. Source-of-income discrimination is a civil rights violation enforced by the MA Commission Against Discrimination.
Under MGL Ch. 151B §4(10), it is unlawful for any landlord with three or more units to refuse to rent based on the prospective tenant's receipt of public assistance, rental subsidy, or housing voucher. Boston landlords cannot post 'no Section 8' ads, refuse to participate in voucher inspections, or set income standards that would disqualify voucher holders by counting only the tenant's portion. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) investigates complaints, and the MA Attorney General's Civil Rights Division also enforces. Boston tenants can additionally sue in housing court for damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.
Refusing applicants because they hold a voucher, advertising 'no vouchers,' or applying income tests that disqualify subsidized tenants violates state civil rights law.
Boston, MA
The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) administers the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and the state Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)...
Boston, MA
Massachusetts does not have a statewide just cause eviction law, and Boston does not have a local just cause ordinance. Landlords may decline to renew tenanc...
See how Boston's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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