Boston, Massachusetts
What's changing in Boston rental law
Every dated change in our sources for Boston, Massachusetts: laws taking effect, yearly figures, repeal dates and bills. Follow it by email or RSS.
As of Oct 6, 2026. Not legal advice.
In effect
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Massachusetts
Took effect: Limits on upfront payments at tenancy start (no landlord application fee)
No application fee allowed.
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Massachusetts
Took effect: Broker fees payable only by the party who engaged the broker
Broker fees only from whoever hired the broker.
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Massachusetts
Took effect: Massachusetts security deposit law
Max 1 month's rent.
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Boston
Took effect: Housing Stability Notification Act
Yes, they must give you a rights notice.
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Boston
Took effect: Boston Fair Chance Tenant Selection Policy
City-funded housing: no old convictions or credit scores.
Not law yet
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Massachusetts
Bill, not law yet: S.2983 - An Act prohibiting algorithmic rent setting
Bill to ban algorithmic rent setting.
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Massachusetts
Bill, not law yet: H.5222 - An Act relative to preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market
Bill to ban algorithmic rent fixing.
Not law: failed
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Massachusetts
Proposal failed: Initiative Petition 25-21 - statewide rent increase cap (removed from ballot by SJC)
Proposed cap: inflation or 5%, whichever is lower.
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Boston
Proposal failed: H.3744 – Boston rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections home-rule petition
Proposed rent stabilization, not enacted.
More about Boston
Rent increasesSecurity depositEvictionApplication feesTenant screeningRent-setting softwareWhat's changing