A raise within 6 months of a complaint is presumed payback.
Why, and the exact law
From the Massachusetts Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“No city or town may enact, maintain or enforce rent control of any kind, except that any city or town that accepts this chapter may adopt rent control regulation that provides:”
G.L. c. 40P, § 4 · malegislature.gov · found word for word in the source
Who can help
Ask the Boston Office of Housing StabilityFree counselors explain your options, by phone or in person.Boston Office of Housing Stability
Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.MassLegalHelp
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Massachusetts lawIn force
State bar on local rent control
Can my landlord raise my rent?
Yes. Massachusetts has no rent cap.
Cities can't cap rent. A raise within 6 months of a complaint is presumed payback.
Who it covers
Exemptions: Voluntary regulation after six months, owners of 10+ units, fair market rent not exceeding $400, municipal compensation from general funds.
The law, word for word
“No city or town may enact, maintain or enforce rent control of any kind, except that any city or town that accepts this chapter may adopt rent control regulation that provides:”
H.3744 – Boston rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections home-rule petition
Proposed rent stabilization, not enacted.
Status checked
Oct 1, 2026
The law, word for word
“An Act petition for a special law authorizing the city of Boston to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections …”
H.3744 (193rd General Court) · malegislature.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026
Quote checked word for word
No other rule found
The Boston rent stabilization home-rule petition H.3744 accompanied a study order and died, so no Boston rent stabilization authority exists through this bill.
The law, word for word
“Accompanied a study order, see …”
H.3744 (193rd General Court) · malegislature.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026