In 2025, tenants in Massachusetts are facing significant changes to how rent increases are managed and regulated. Rent increases can be a big concern for renters, especially when costs are rising, and understanding the new laws can help you better navigate your rights as a tenant. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Massachusetts rent increase laws, including how much landlords can increase rent, the rules for rent control, and what tenants can do if they feel their rent increase is unfair.
What Are Rent Increase Laws?
Rent increase laws are rules that govern how much a landlord can raise the rent for tenants who are renting a home or apartment. These laws vary by state and sometimes by city, and they are in place to protect tenants from unreasonable rent hikes that could make housing unaffordable. Massachusetts has specific regulations that landlords must follow when raising rent, which depend on factors like whether the rental unit is under rent control and whether the tenant has a lease or is renting month-to-month.
Rent Control in Massachusetts
Unlike some other states, Massachusetts does not have statewide rent control. Rent control means that there are laws that limit how much landlords can raise rent over a specific period of time. However, rent control is not common across the state, and it only exists in a few cities, such as Cambridge and Boston, where local rent control laws are more common.
For the majority of Massachusetts renters, there are no statewide limits on rent increases. This means that landlords can generally increase rent as they see fit, but there are still rules in place to ensure the process is fair and transparent.
How Much Can Rent Be Increased in Massachusetts?
The amount that a landlord can increase rent in Massachusetts largely depends on the type of rental agreement and the location of the rental property.
For Tenants with a Lease Agreement: If you have a fixed lease, such as a one-year lease, your rent cannot be increased during the term of the lease. The landlord can only increase rent when the lease ends, and they must give you proper notice before doing so.
For Month-to-Month Tenants: If you don’t have a fixed-term lease and are renting month-to-month, the landlord can increase your rent at any time. However, they must provide written notice of the rent increase. In Massachusetts, landlords are required to give at least 30 days’ notice before raising rent. This means if a landlord wants to raise your rent in one month, they need to inform you a full month in advance.
Limits on Rent Increases: While Massachusetts doesn’t have a statewide rent control policy, some cities have passed local rent control laws. In areas where rent control exists, the amount a landlord can increase rent is limited by the city’s specific rules. For example, in Boston, rent-controlled apartments have stricter guidelines on how much the rent can go up each year.
Eviction Protections and Rent Increases
One important thing tenants should be aware of is that landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their rights. For example, if a tenant complains about maintenance issues or reports their landlord for violating housing codes, the landlord cannot increase the rent as a way to punish the tenant. This is considered “retaliatory eviction,” and it is illegal under Massachusetts law.
What Should Tenants Do If Their Rent Increase Seems Unfair?
If a tenant feels that their rent increase is too high or if they believe it is being raised in retaliation, they have a few options.
Talk to the Landlord: Sometimes, landlords and tenants can come to an agreement. It may be possible to negotiate a smaller increase or discuss options for staying at the current rate.
Check for Legal Violations: Tenants should check to see if their landlord is violating any specific rent increase laws. For example, if you are a month-to-month tenant and the landlord has not given you proper notice, the increase may not be valid.
Seek Legal Help: If the rent increase is significant or seems unreasonable, tenants can consult a lawyer or contact a local tenant’s rights organization for guidance. They can help tenants understand their rights and assist in resolving disputes with landlords.
Rent Control Laws: In cities with rent control, tenants can look up the specific guidelines to see if their rent increase falls within legal limits.
Rent increases can be stressful for tenants, but understanding the rules and regulations in Massachusetts can help ease the process. In 2025, the state has specific laws that require landlords to follow guidelines when raising rent, and while there are no statewide rent control laws, some cities may have local regulations. Remember, as a tenant, you have rights, and if a rent increase seems unfair, it’s essential to seek advice and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Sources
[1] https://rentpost.com/resources/article/raise-rent-laws-in-massachusetts/
[2] https://www.mhp.net/resources/2022-maximum-allowable-rents
[3] https://www.reneelazarlaw.com/blog/2025/05/massachusetts-rent-increase-laws-2025-what-tenants-should-know/
[4] https://www.masslegalhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/05%20Rent%202025%20v2.pdf
[5] https://baystatebanner.com/2025/04/16/new-rent-control-legislation-takes-aim-at-drastic-increases/
