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
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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:”
Massachusetts law (G.L. c. 40P, § 4) bars cities and towns from enacting or maintaining rent control, so Cambridge has no local rent increase cap.
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:”