MGL Ch. 184 §18 and Ch. 186 §14 prohibit landlords from using lockouts, utility shutoffs, threats, or harassment to force tenants out. Violations carry treble damages, attorney fees, and possible criminal liability under Boston housing court enforcement.
Massachusetts treats tenant harassment seriously. MGL Ch. 184 §18 makes unlawful any attempt to recover possession without court order, including lockouts, removing doors, and removing tenant property. MGL Ch. 186 §14 criminalizes interference with quiet enjoyment, including utility shutoffs (water, heat, electricity), threats, and intimidation, with penalties up to $300 fine or six months in jail per offense, plus civil treble damages and attorney fees. Boston's Office of Housing Stability provides referrals to legal aid, and the Right to Counsel pilot covers eligible tenants facing harassment. Greater Boston Legal Services regularly litigates Ch. 186 §14 cases on tenants' behalf.
Shutting off heat in winter, changing locks, removing doors, or threats designed to force a tenant out trigger criminal penalties plus three-times-rent civil damages.
Boston, MA
Massachusetts allows no-fault termination of tenancies-at-will with 30 days or full rental period notice under MGL Ch. 186 §12. Boston has no local just-caus...
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 tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
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