Tenant Rights in Massachusetts
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Landlords must provide habitable housing and cannot retaliate against tenants for asserting legal rights.
How Massachusetts treats Tenant Rights
Massachusetts law requires landlords to maintain premises in habitable condition, including functioning heat, water, and structural integrity. Tenants can withhold rent or repair-and-deduct if landlords fail to make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe. The state prohibits retaliatory eviction for six months after a tenant reports code violations or joins a tenant organization. Security deposits must be held in interest-bearing accounts, with interest returned to tenants.
The general definition of Tenant Rights
Legal protections and entitlements that renters have regarding their leased property and living conditions.
Tenant rights are the legal protections that renters enjoy in their rental homes or apartments. These rights typically include the right to a habitable space (one that is safe, clean, and meets building codes), the right to privacy (landlords cannot enter without notice), and the right to be free from discrimination based on protected characteristics like race or disability. Tenants also have the right to organize, to have repairs made in a timely manner, and to receive proper notice before eviction. The specific rights vary by state and local law.
Read the full Tenant Rights entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.