How much can they charge me to apply in Cambridge?
No application fee allowed.
Only first month, last month, deposit and a lock fee.
Why, and the exact law
From the Massachusetts Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“no lessor or agent of the lessor may require a tenant or prospective tenant to pay, to the lessor or to an agent of the lessor, any amount in excess of the following:”
G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b) · malegislature.gov · found word for word in the source
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Massachusetts lawIn force
Limits on upfront payments at tenancy start (no landlord application fee)
How much can they charge me to apply?
No application fee allowed.
Only first month, last month, deposit and a lock fee.
Who it covers
Exemptions: Vacation or recreational tenancies of 100 days or less.
In force since
Aug 1, 2025
The law, word for word
“no lessor or agent of the lessor may require a tenant or prospective tenant to pay, to the lessor or to an agent of the lessor, any amount in excess of the following:”
G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b) · malegislature.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026
Quote checked word for word
Massachusetts lawIn force
Broker fees payable only by the party who engaged the broker
Who pays the broker fee?
Broker fees only from whoever hired the broker.
If the landlord hires the broker, the landlord can't pass the fee to you.
In force since
Aug 1, 2025
The law, word for word
“Any fee shall only be paid by the party, lessor or tenant who originally engaged and entered into a contract with the licensed broker or salesperson …”
No Cambridge-specific application or screening fee ordinance appears in the documents. Upfront charges are limited at state level by G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b) and broker fees by G.L. c. 112, § 87DDD½.
The law, word for word
“At or prior to the commencement of any tenancy, no lessor or agent of the lessor may require a tenant or prospective tenant to pay, to the lessor or to an agent of the lessor, any amount in excess of the following:”
G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b) · malegislature.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026