Statutory cap, exemptions, and notice rules under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40P (2023)
A statewide ban on rent control (from a 1994 ballot measure) was replaced in 2023 by a new law allowing municipalities to enact rent stabilization with state approval. Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville are pursuing ordinances under the new framework.
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide cap | None | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40P (2023) |
| 2025 maximum increase | No limit | — |
| Notice required | Typically 30–60 days written notice | State landlord-tenant law |
| Retaliation prohibited | Yes — increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory | Federal Fair Housing Act + state law |
These Massachusetts cities currently have or are actively developing rent stabilization ordinances. Caps and covered-unit definitions vary — check your city's municipal code or housing authority for the current allowable increase.
Massachusetts has no statewide rent increase cap. Some cities and counties have local ordinances — check your specific municipality.
Yes — while Massachusetts has no statewide cap, local governments are permitted to enact rent control ordinances, and some have.
In Massachusetts, landlords must generally provide at least 30 days' written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month tenants. For covered units under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40P (2023), any increase above the allowable cap requires proper written notice and may require additional disclosures.
In Massachusetts, there is no statewide cap. The increase can be any amount as long as proper notice is given and the increase is not retaliatory or discriminatory.
Statutory data sourced from published Massachusetts law (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40P (2023)), BLS Consumer Price Index (2024–2025), and state agency publications. Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates for median rent. Last updated April 29, 2026. This page is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
