If you’re renting a home or apartment in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand the state’s rent increase laws. Rent can go up during your lease or at the end of it, but there are certain rules landlords must follow.
This article will help tenants in Massachusetts understand their rights and the limits on how much and how often rent can increase in 2025.
Understanding Rent Increases in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, rent increases are not automatically regulated by the state unless you live in a rent-controlled area (which is rare). Unlike some other states, Massachusetts does not set a specific limit on how much a landlord can increase the rent.
However, there are some important rules to keep in mind to ensure both tenants and landlords follow the law.
What Are Rent Control and Rent Stabilization?
In Massachusetts, rent control and rent stabilization are not common outside of certain cities like Boston. Rent control means the government sets limits on how much rent a landlord can charge, and rent stabilization limits how much a landlord can increase rent during a lease term.
However, most of Massachusetts does not have these rules, meaning landlords are allowed to raise rents at any time as long as they follow the proper procedures.
Rent Increase Limits and Rules in Massachusetts
Here are the main rules about rent increases in Massachusetts:
Lease Agreement: If you are in a lease, the landlord cannot increase the rent until the lease ends. After the lease ends, they can raise the rent, but they must give you enough notice.
Notice Period: According to Massachusetts law, a landlord must provide a written notice of a rent increase. The notice period depends on how often you pay rent:
If you pay rent monthly, the landlord must give at least 30 days’ notice.
If you pay rent weekly, the landlord must give at least 7 days’ notice.
Amount of Rent Increase: There is no state-wide law that limits how much a landlord can increase rent in Massachusetts. However, the rent increase must be reasonable. If you feel that a rent increase is too high, you might have a case to challenge it, especially if the increase is excessive for the area.
No Retaliation: Landlords are not allowed to increase rent as a way to retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights. For example, if you complain about repairs or report a safety issue, a landlord cannot raise your rent in response.
Rent Control in Specific Cities
While most of Massachusetts does not have rent control, a few cities may have local laws that regulate rent increases. For example, Boston used to have rent control in place until it was abolished in the 1990s. Now, rent increases in Boston are subject to the general state laws, but it’s always worth checking with the city for any special rules.
What to Do if You Think the Rent Increase is Unfair
If you believe a rent increase is too high or violates your lease terms, you can try negotiating with your landlord. If that doesn’t work, you have a few options:
File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office or the local housing authority if you feel your landlord is violating your rights.
Seek Legal Advice: If you are unsure about whether a rent increase is legal or if you feel your landlord is treating you unfairly, consult with a lawyer who specializes in tenant law.
