Massachusetts Tenant Rights
Full GuideRenter protections in Massachusetts. General information only — consult a local attorney for advice on your specific situation.
Quick Reference
Deposit Limit
1 month rent
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice
24 hours
Eviction Notice
14 days (non-payment)
Common scenarios
My security deposit wasn't returned
The steps renters typically take when a landlord fails to return the security deposit within the state's statutory deadline, from documentation to small-claims court.
My landlord entered without notice
What to do when a landlord enters your unit without the notice your state requires — and how to create a paper trail that stops it.
My landlord won't fix unsafe conditions
How to hold a landlord accountable for habitability failures (mold, heat, pests, plumbing) without jeopardizing your tenancy.
I just got an eviction notice
What to do in the first 72 hours after receiving an eviction notice — your response window is short and how you act matters.
My landlord won't respond to anything
How to force a response from an absentee landlord and protect yourself when they go silent on repairs, deposits, or renewals.