TENANTS · LANDLORDS · MASSACHUSETTS RENTALS
Massachusetts Apartment Renting & Landlord Q&A
A rental transaction has two sides. Tenants want to understand costs, applications, leases, repairs and their rights. Owners need to market the property, screen lawfully, document the tenancy, maintain the property and understand what they can and cannot charge. Start with the question, then follow the perspective that applies.
I’m a Tenant
Find an apartment, apply, understand move-in costs, leases, utilities, repairs, insurance and moving out.
I’m a Landlord
Price, market, screen, lease, maintain, re-rent and manage a Massachusetts rental property.
Who pays the real estate broker fee?
Massachusetts changed its residential rental broker-fee law effective August 1, 2025. In general, the party who hired or engaged the broker is responsible for that broker’s fee. A landlord who hired the broker generally cannot require the tenant to pay that landlord-side broker fee; a prospective tenant who independently hires a broker can be responsible for the tenant’s broker fee.
Do I need a broker to rent an apartment?
No universal rule requires every tenant or landlord to hire a broker. A broker can help market or locate property, coordinate showings, communicate terms and organize the real-estate portion of the transaction. Before hiring one, understand who the broker represents, what services are included and how compensation works.
What can a landlord collect before move-in?
Massachusetts regulates upfront rental charges. Current state guidance should be checked before collecting or paying money because the rules distinguish first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposits, lock/key costs and broker compensation.
Massachusetts Attorney General landlord/tenant guide · Security deposits and last month’s rent
How much can the security deposit be?
Massachusetts generally limits a residential security deposit to the equivalent of one month’s rent and imposes detailed requirements for receipts, account handling, interest, condition documentation and return. Landlords should follow the current statutory process precisely.
Can a landlord charge an application fee or pet fee?
Massachusetts rules restrict the charges landlords can require at the beginning of a tenancy. Do not invent additional mandatory move-in charges without checking current law. Pet-related arrangements can also interact with disability/fair-housing requirements, so assistance animals should not be treated as ordinary pets.
What does a renter usually provide with an application?
Requirements vary, but an application may request identification, contact information, income/employment information, rental history and references, subject to applicable law. Credit or background screening should be handled consistently and lawfully. Tenants should verify who is receiving sensitive information before providing it.
What should a landlord verify when screening?
Use consistent written criteria connected to legitimate tenancy considerations and comply with fair-housing and other applicable laws. Verify information lawfully, protect applicant data and avoid questions or decision criteria that discriminate against protected classes.
Lease vs. tenancy-at-will
A fixed-term lease generally establishes a tenancy for a stated period under written terms. A tenancy-at-will operates differently and can involve periodic rent and notice requirements. The legal consequences of ending either arrangement depend on the facts and documents, so parties should use current Massachusetts guidance or legal advice for a specific dispute.
What utilities does the tenant pay?
The lease and lawful utility setup should identify responsibility for electricity, gas/heat, water/sewer and other services. Cable, internet and telephone are often separately contracted by the occupant, while some buildings include certain utilities. Compare total housing cost rather than rent alone.
Can a landlord charge a tenant for water?
Massachusetts permits water submetering only when statutory requirements are satisfied. Owners should verify the property’s plumbing, submetering and tenancy requirements before billing a tenant directly for water.
What if something needs repair?
Tenants should notify the landlord or property manager promptly and document significant issues. Owners should respond appropriately and understand applicable sanitary-code and habitability obligations. Emergencies involving immediate safety, fire, gas, electrical or other hazards may require emergency services or municipal authorities.
What if the landlord does not make repairs?
Massachusetts tenants have legal remedies in certain circumstances, but the correct action depends on the condition and facts. Document requests and use authoritative state/local guidance rather than improvising rent withholding or repair deductions without understanding the legal requirements.
What if I lose my job or cannot pay the rent?
Communicate early rather than ignoring the problem. Tenants can investigate available assistance and legal resources; landlords should follow the lawful Massachusetts process rather than using self-help eviction measures. A payment problem does not automatically authorize a lockout or utility shutoff.
What happens if rent is not paid?
Nonpayment can lead to notices and potentially a Housing Court or other court process. The required steps and defenses depend on the tenancy and circumstances. Both parties should use current Massachusetts court guidance and obtain legal advice when needed.
Massachusetts eviction information for landlords · Massachusetts eviction information for tenants
What if there is damage to the apartment?
Document the condition, determine whether immediate mitigation is necessary and notify the appropriate landlord, manager or insurer. Responsibility depends on the cause, lease, insurance and law. Security deposits are not a substitute for documenting lawful damage claims.
What if I fall or get hurt at the property?
Address immediate medical needs, document the circumstances and notify the appropriate property owner/manager. Injury and liability questions are fact-specific legal and insurance matters; a real-estate broker should not determine liability.
What if someone breaks into the apartment?
Prioritize personal safety, contact law enforcement when appropriate, document damage and notify the landlord/property manager and renter’s insurer. Tenants should consider renter’s insurance because a landlord’s property policy generally is not a substitute for coverage of the tenant’s personal belongings and liability exposures.
Do I need renter’s insurance?
Lease requirements vary, but renter’s insurance can protect personal property and provide liability/additional-living-expense coverage subject to the policy. Compare coverage and exclusions with a licensed insurance professional.
What if I want to leave before the lease ends?
Read the lease and speak with the landlord before assuming you can simply move out without continuing obligations. Early termination, replacement tenants, subletting and other options depend on the agreement and law. Certain legally protected circumstances may have different rules.
What happens at move-out?
Follow notice and lease requirements, document the unit’s condition, return keys/access devices and provide forwarding information. Landlords should handle deposits and itemized deductions according to Massachusetts law and retain appropriate records.
Are there tax benefits for Massachusetts renters?
Massachusetts currently provides an eligible renter deduction subject to state tax rules and limits. Because amounts and eligibility can change, verify the current year’s rule directly with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
How should landlords keep rental records?
Maintain organized leases, applications, lawful screening documentation, receipts, deposit records, rent history, repair/maintenance records, invoices, insurance information and property-improvement documentation. Good records support future leasing, tax preparation, property management and eventual resale.