Massachusetts
What's changing in Massachusetts rental law
Every dated change in our sources for 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.
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.
More about Massachusetts
Rent increasesSecurity depositEvictionApplication feesTenant screeningRent-setting softwareWhat's changing