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.
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 tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.