State-Specific Tenant Protections

Massachusetts Tenant Rights & Protections

Massachusetts Fair Housing Act (M.G.L. c. 151B) prohibits housing discrimination and is enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD, FHAP agency). Chapter 186 governs landlord-tenant relations. Security deposits are strictly limited to 1 month's rent, must be held in a separate interest-bearing account, and detailed receipts are required. Tenancy-at-will requires 30 days' or one full rental period's notice. Retaliation is presumed if adverse action occurs within 6 months of a tenant's protected activity (M.G.L. c. 186, s. 18). Some municipalities (e.g., Boston, Cambridge, Brookline) have local rent stabilization or tenant protection ordinances.

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Key Protections

What Massachusetts Law Protects

Security Deposit Limit

1 month's rent

Eviction Notice Minimum

30 days

Retaliation Presumption

180 days

Rent Control

Yes (statewide or local)

Fair Housing Protections

Massachusetts Fair Housing Law (Chapter 151B)

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B, § 4

Protected Classes

RaceColorReligious creedNational originSexGender identitySexual orientationAgeAncestryMarital statusVeteran/military statusDisabilityFamilial status (children)Source of income (housing subsidies/vouchers)Genetic information

Filing Information

Filing Agency

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

Filing Deadline

300 days from the alleged discriminatory act (MCAD)

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Key Provisions

  • First state fair housing law in the nation — predates federal Fair Housing Act by 22 years
  • Broad source of income protections bar landlords from refusing housing voucher holders
  • Covers discrimination in rental advertising, terms/conditions, and provision of services
  • Protects against retaliation for filing complaints or participating in investigations
  • MCAD investigates complaints and may conduct public hearings; complainant may also file in state court

Available Remedies

  • Compensatory damages (actual losses, emotional distress)
  • Punitive damages
  • Injunctive relief (stop discriminatory practice, restore tenancy)
  • Attorney's fees and court costs
  • Civil penalties up to $50,000 for repeated violations
Tenant Protection Laws

Additional Massachusetts Tenant Protections

Massachusetts Tenant Retaliation Protection

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 18

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 18, provides strong protection against landlord retaliation. A landlord may not take retaliatory action against a tenant within 6 months of the tenant's exercise of legal rights, including reporting code violations, participating in a tenant organization, or exercising other rights under the tenancy. The statute creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation.

  • Landlord may not terminate, raise rent, or decrease services in retaliation for protected activities
  • Rebuttable presumption of retaliation within 6 months of protected activity
  • Minimum damages of 1-3 months rent for retaliatory conduct
  • Provides both a defense to eviction and a cause of action for damages
Important Deadlines

Filing Deadlines in Massachusetts

Missing a deadline can forfeit your legal claim. Know your windows.

Law / AgencyDeadlineFiled With
Federal Fair Housing Act (HUD)300 daysHUD (via state FHAP agency)
Federal Fair Housing Act (Court)2 yearsFederal or state court
MA Ch. 151B Housing300 days from the alleged discriminatory act (MCAD)Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

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Legal Disclaimer

This page provides general legal information about Massachusetts tenant rights for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Laws change frequently; verify current statutes with your state agency or a qualified attorney. If you believe your rights have been violated, consult a licensed landlord-tenant attorney in Massachusetts.