Massachusetts rent increase laws in 2025 remain largely unchanged, with no statewide rent control and landlords having significant flexibility in setting rental prices. However, tenants should be aware of specific regulations and protections that govern rent increases. Below is an overview of what tenants should know:
Key Points About Rent Increases in Massachusetts
1. No Statewide Rent Control
Massachusetts does not have a statewide cap on rent increases. Landlords can raise rents by any amount, as there are no legal limits on how much they can charge for residential properties. This policy has been in place since rent control was abolished in 1994.
2. Notice Requirements
Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase:
- Tenancy-at-will (month-to-month agreements): A minimum of 30 days’ notice is required.
- Fixed-term leases: Rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless explicitly allowed by the lease agreement. Any increase can only take effect after the lease expires.
3. Legal Protections for Tenants
Certain protections ensure fairness in rent increases:
- Discrimination and retaliation: Rent increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory. For example, landlords cannot raise rents based on a tenant’s race, gender, or legal actions taken against the landlord.
- Proper notice: Failure to provide adequate notice renders the rent increase invalid.
4. Local Efforts for Rent Stabilization
While Massachusetts lacks statewide rent control, cities like Boston have initiated local measures to stabilize rents. In 2023, Boston passed a rent control plan affecting over half of its rental units, capping annual rent increases at inflation rates with a maximum limit of 5%. Advocacy groups continue pushing for legislation to lift the statewide ban on rent control, allowing cities and towns to adopt local stabilization policies.
5. Tenant Resources
Tenants facing significant rent hikes can:
- Negotiate with landlords if they deem the increase unreasonable.
- Seek legal advice or assistance from organizations like MassLegalHelp or tenant advocacy groups.
- Review lease agreements carefully to understand their rights and obligations.
Massachusetts tenants should remain vigilant about their rights regarding rent increases. While landlords have broad discretion in raising rents, compliance with notice requirements and anti-discrimination laws is mandatory. Tenants are encouraged to explore available resources and legal options if faced with sudden or excessive rent hikes.
Sources
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-massachusetts
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-boston-ma
- https://www.alfordlegalgroup.com/blog/2024/09/instances-when-landlords-can-legally-increase-rent/
- https://www.homesforallmass.org/content/act-to-stabilize-rents-2025-fact-sheet-eng.pdf
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-massachusetts
