Massachusetts
State housing and tenant protection laws
Rules (292)
Purpose
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.001Scope
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.002General Provisions
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.003Definitions
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.010Kitchen Facilities
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.100Bathroom Facilities: Sinks, Toilets, Tubs, and Showers
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.110Approved Toilets
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.120Potable Water/Sanitary Drainage
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.130Plumbing Connections
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.140Hot Water
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.150Heating Systems
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.160Venting
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.170Temperature Requirements
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.180Provision and Metering of Electricity or Gas
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.200Provision of Oil
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.210Natural and Mechanical Ventilation
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.220Owner's Laundering Responsibilities
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.230Owner's Installation, Maintenance and Repair Responsibilities
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.235Occupant's Installation and Maintenance Responsibilities
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.240Asbestos-containing Material
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.250Means of Egress
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.260Locks
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.270Electricity Supply and Illumination
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.300Auxiliary Emergency Lighting Systems and Exit Signs
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.310Electrical Service
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.320Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.330Owner/Manager Contact Information and Notice of Occupants' Legal Rights and Responsibilities
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.400Building Identification
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.410Habitability Requirements
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.420Natural Light and Obstructions
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.430Temporary Housing
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.440Homeless Shelters
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.460Lead-based Paint Hazards in Residences
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.470Owner's Responsibility to Maintain Building and Structural Elements
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.500Occupant's Responsibility Regarding Building and Structural Elements
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.510Protective Railings and Walls
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.520Weather-tight Elements
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.530Installation of Screens
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.540Elimination of Pests
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.550Refuse
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.560Maintenance of Areas in a Sanitary and Safe Condition
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.570Inspection upon Request
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.600Inspection Form
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.610Conduct of Inspections
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.620Conditions Deemed to Endanger or Materially Impair Health or Safety
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.630Time Frames for Correction of Violations
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.640Residences Unfit for Human Habitation; Hearing; Condemnation; Order to Vacate; Demolition
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.650Reinspections
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.660Order to Correct Violations
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.670Service of Orders and Notices
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.680Variances
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.700Permit Requirements For Alternative Housing
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.710Right to Hearing
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.800Hearing Notice
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.810Time for Hearing
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.820Hearing Procedures
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.830Official Hearing Record
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.850Appeal of Final Decisions
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.860Condemnation, Placarding and Vacating Residences
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.900Penalties for Interference with Inspections
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.910Penalty for Failure to Comply with Order
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.920Penalty for Other Offenses
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.930Correction of Violations by Board of Health; Expenses
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.940Severability
105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.950Purpose
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.010Meaning of Terms
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.020Mandatory Reporting
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.040Mandatory Blood Lead Screening and Follow-up Schedule
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.050Reimbursement for Mandatory Screening Services
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.060Confidentiality of Lead Test Results
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.070Duty of Owner(s) of Residential Premises
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.100Lead Hazards: The Emergency Lead Management Plan and Interim Control
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.105Lead Hazards: Abatement and Containment Requirements for Full Compliance
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.110Approval of Encapsulants for the Containment of Lead-based Paint
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.115Removing and Making Intact Lead-based Paint and Other Coatings
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.120Containment Using Approved Coverings
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.130Containment Using Encapsulants
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.135Removing and Replacing Components and Fixtures
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.140Notification of Abatement and/or Containment Activity
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.150Safety Precautions and Cleanup Procedures in Areas Undergoing Deleading and Interim Control
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.160Lead Dust Monitoring
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.170Low- and Moderate-risk Abatement and Containment
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.175Owners in Violation Subject to Damages
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.180Punishable Violations
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.190Acts Made Illegal under M.G.L. c. 111, § 196
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.200M.G.L. c. 111, § 196(a) Offenses
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.210M.G.L. c. 111, § 196(b) Offenses
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.220Civil Damages under M.G.L. c. 111, § 196(a)
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.230Embargo of Lead-based Articles and Substances
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.240Exemptions Available for Certain Applications and Products
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.300Training and Licensure of Lead Inspectors and Risk Assessors
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.400Certification of Training Providers
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.410Monitoring of Lead Inspectors, Risk Assessors, Deleaders and Authorized Persons
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.430Issuance of Official Reports
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.500Approved Testing Methodology
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.510Authorized Test Personnel
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.520Reports of the State Laboratory, Boards of Health, Code Enforcement Agencies or Housing
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.530Concurrent Enforcement Authority, Application of the State Sanitary Code and Emergency
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.600Enforcement by Code Enforcement Agencies
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.700Scope of Inspection Responsibility and Inspection Priorities
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.710Property Transfer Lead Notification and Disclosure
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.720Tenant Lead Law Notification and Disclosure
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.725Procedures for Initial Inspection
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.730Procedures for Post-compliance Assessment
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.735Testing Methods
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.740Notice of Results of Inspections, Risk Assessments, Reinspections, Post-compliance
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.750Enforcement Deadlines According to Type of Case
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.751Reinspection and Full Compliance
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.760Reports to Director of State Program
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.770Judicial Proceedings
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.800Hearings
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.900Severability
105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.990Appendices
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.01Applicability
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.02Definitions
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.03Rent Determination
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.04Determination of Gross Household Income and Net Household Income
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.05Lease Requirements
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.06Pet Ownership in Elderly/Disabled Housing
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.07Grievance Procedures
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.08LTO and Resident Participation
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.09Waiver Provision
760 Mass. Code Regs. 6.00 § 6.10General Provisions Pertaining to Housing Discrimination
804 Mass. Code Regs. 2.00 § 2.01Housing Discrimination Against Persons with Children
804 Mass. Code Regs. 2.00 § 2.02Housing Discrimination On The Basis Of Handicap
804 Mass. Code Regs. 2.00 § 2.03Housing Discrimination in Credit Services or Rental Accommodations--Applicable Law
804 Mass. Code Regs. 2.00 § 2.04Housing Discrimination in the Granting of Mortgage Loans--Applicable Law
804 Mass. Code Regs. 2.00 § 2.05Definitions
940 Mass. Code Regs. 3.00 § 3.01General
940 Mass. Code Regs. 3.00 § 3.16Landlord-Tenant
940 Mass. Code Regs. 3.00 § 3.17Definitions applicable to Secs. 189A to 199B
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 189AProgram for the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning; lead poisoning control director; advisory committee
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 190Reports of lead poisoning; notifications to agencies; records
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 191Lead poisoning educational and publicity program
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 192Field testing and approval of new methods of removing paint and other materials containing lead
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 192APreparation of educational materials
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 192BLead poisoning early identification program; examination and reports
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 193Detection of sources of lead poisoning; inspection; search warrant; notice; examination of children; reports; records
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 194Repealed, 1993, 482, Sec. 6
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 194AState laboratory for lead and lead poisoning detection; specimen analysis; fee; report as prima facie evidence
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 195Prohibited acts relating to lead-based paint, glaze or other substance; punishment; embargo of personal property
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 196Duty of residential premises owners; interim control measures; abatement or containment of paint, plaster or other accessible structural material containing lead
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 197Notice to prospective purchasers of premises of hazards of lead in premises; forms; letter of compliance; civil penalty
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 197ALead paint inspectors; deleaders; licensure
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 197BChild exhibiting dangerous blood lead level after issuance of letters of compliance or interim control; liability
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 197CSecured lenders; liability
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 197DLead abatement loan program
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 197EViolations of state sanitary code; enforcement
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 198Liability of owner of premises; punitive damages
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 199Unlawful practices in selling, renting, or leasing premises containing lead in paint, plaster or materials
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 199AExemptions from Secs. 189A to 199A
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 199BState sanitary code; adoption; enforcement; jurisdiction; speedy trial
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127ADwellings unfit for human habitation; order to vacate or to abate nuisance; removal of occupants; demolition expense, lien; inspection reports; code violations; notices; enforcement proceedings, jurisdiction; appeal
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127BPetition for violation of sanitary code; requisites
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127CEntry fee; notice upon offending owner
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127DCopy of report of investigation; admissibility in evidence
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127ECourt order regarding rental payments; disbursement of funds; receiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127FRemoval from district to superior or housing court; transmittal of rents and removal fees
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127GRepealed, 1992, 407, Sec. 9
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127HEnforcement of sanitary code; remedies; receiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127IPetition by receiver to apply for financial assistance; notice and hearing; financial assistance; lien
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127JAgreement to waive enforcement of sanitary code; validity
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127KRepairs by tenants of residential premises to cure violations; reimbursement for cost
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127LRepealed, 1975, 615
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127MActions by tenants against owners of residential premises; joinder of certain other persons as parties; liability; exception
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127NConveyance of real estate with intent to evade nuisance provisions; penalty
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127OLand covered by subdivision plan; application of state environmental code
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127PMaintenance and operation of project; rentals; tenant selection; eligibility for continued occupancy; hearings; waiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32Parking areas; rules and regulations; towing
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32ADefinitions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32BUnlawful conduct by tenant, members or non-members of tenant household; civil action by landlord for injunctive or other equitable relief
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32CActions by tenants or tenants' organizations
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32DJurisdiction over civil actions; appellate review
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32ERestraining orders and injunctions; form; service; enforcement; violations; effect; modification and vacation
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32FTemporary absences from commonwealth; presumption of abandonment of residency and eligibility for assistance
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32GPower to provide housing for elderly persons and persons with disabilities of low income; priorities in placement
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 39Provisions applicable to housing for elderly persons and persons with disabilities of low income
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 40Rental assistance program; relocation of residents; leased housing units
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 43ARental assistance program; rentals and tenant selection
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 44Leasing of housing units in MHFA projects for replacement or relocation housing authorized
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 44AInstallation of automatic equipment on order of marshal
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26Automatic sprinklers in high rise buildings; enforcement; appeals
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26AAutomatic fire warning and smoke detection systems in certain buildings; enforcement; appeals
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26BCertain public accommodations; automatic smoke or heat detectors
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26CDefinitions applicable to Secs. 26D to 26F
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26DResidential buildings or structures; installation of smoke detectors
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26EResidential buildings or structures; equipping with smoke detectors upon sale or transfer
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26FAutomatic sprinkler systems required for buildings and structures totaling more than 7,500 gross square feet
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26GLodging or boarding houses; automatic sprinkler systems
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26HMultiple dwelling units; new construction; automatic sprinkler systems
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26IDefinitions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 1Partial invalidity
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 10Policies; recommendations
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 2Functions, powers and duties of commission
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 3Employers' policies against sexual harassment; preparation of model policy; education and training programs
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 3AUnlawful practices
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 4Conveyance by void instruments; penalty
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 4AComplaints; procedure; limitations; bar to proceeding; award of damages
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 5Review of commission's order; court order for enforcement; appeals; availability of commission's copy of testimony; limitations
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 6Posting notices setting forth excerpts of statute and other information; refusal to post
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 7Interference with commission; violation of order
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 8Construction and enforcement of chapter; inconsistent laws; exclusiveness of statutory procedure; civil remedies; speedy trial; attorney's fees and costs; damages
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151B § 9Entry into land; legal proceedings required to recover possession of land or tenements; jurisdiction
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 184 § 18Repealed, 2008, 521, Sec. 5
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 1Rent as a necessary
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 10Determination of lease for nonpayment of rent
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 11Termination of lease for nonpayment of rent
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 11ANotice to determine estate at will
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 12Recovery of possession after termination of tenancy at will
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 13Tenants deemed to be at will upon foreclosure of residential real property; status of tenancy agreements where rental payment subsidized under state or federal law
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 13AWrongful acts of landlord; premises used for dwelling or residential purposes; utilities, services, quiet enjoyment; penalties; remedies; waiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 14Non-liability of landlord; provisions in lease or rental agreement
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15Waiver of notices; lease or rental agreement provisions; validity
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15AEntrance of premises prior to termination of lease; payments; receipts; interest; records; security deposits
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15BResidential real estate, lease payments based on real estate tax increases
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15COral agreement to execute lease; delivery of lease copy; penalty; waiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15DAction against owner; injuries due to defects violating building code; defense; waiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15EResidential leases or rental agreements restricting litigation or landlord liability; ouster of tenant; remedies
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15FLeases or rental agreements restricting occupancy of children
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 16Occupancy constituting tenancy at will; termination
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 17Residential care and services; housing facility providers; eviction; hearing; jurisdiction
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 17AReprisal for reporting violations of law or for tenant's union activity; damages and costs; notice of termination, presumption; waiver in leases or other rental agreements prohibited
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 18Notice to landlord of unsafe condition; tort actions for injuries resulting from uncorrected condition
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 19Land demised for term of 100 years or more regarded as estate in fee simple
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 1ARepealed, 2012, 140, Sec. 2
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 2Attorneys' fees and expenses; residential lease provisions; implied covenant; waiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 20Disclosure of insurance information by lessor; violations; waiver
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 21Definitions; submeter installation; testing; water use charges; public housing development exemption
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 22Definitions applicable to Secs. 23 to 29
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 23Termination of rental agreement or tenancy by victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 24Refusal of rental agreement or assistance based on termination of rental agreement under Sec. 24 or request for change of lock under Sec. 26 prohibited
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 25Change of locks upon request of tenant, co-tenant or household member believed to be under imminent threat of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 26Jurisdiction of courts to restrain violation of Secs. 23 to 26; applicability of other laws to requests to change locks
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 27Waivers of Secs. 23 to 27 void and unenforceable
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 28Owner immunity from liability
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 29Tenancy at sufferance; liability for rent
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 3Inspection of vacated property for presence of abandoned animals
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 30Notice to quit for nonpayment of rent
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 31Liability of tenant for rent for proportion of land in possession
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 4Action to recover rent; evidence
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 5Survival of action
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 6Remedies of landlords
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 7Recovery of rent accruing before determination of lease
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 8Recovery of rent paid in advance
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 9Definitions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A § 1Eviction of tenants prohibited; exceptions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A § 2Written notice of identity and address of foreclosing owner
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A § 3Just cause eviction; prerequisites
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A § 4Claim by foreclosing owner to set new use and occupancy rate
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A § 5Penalties for illegal eviction; jurisdiction; defenses
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A § 6Persons entitled to summary process
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 1Stay of proceedings; hearings
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 10Stay of proceedings; deposit of applicant
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 11Stay of proceedings; validity of waiver in lease
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 12Stay of proceedings; costs
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 13Inspection of property for presence of abandoned animals
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 14Action for summary process for nonpayment of rent; monthly report
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 15Eviction; petition to seal record; petition to access sealed record; consumer reporting agency; housing or credit screening applications; notice of satisfaction
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 16Land or tenements used for residential purposes; action by lessor under this chapter to recover possession; conditions and restrictions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 1AJurisdiction; venue; form of writ
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 2Reprisal for reporting violations of law, for tenant's union activity, or actions taken pursuant to laws protecting tenants who are victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking; defense; presumption
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 2AJudgment and execution; costs; appeal
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 3Storage of property removed; notice of presence and condition of animals; liens and enforcement; penalties
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 4Appeal; bond; actions thereon; waiver; appeal of waiver or periodic payments; notice of decision
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 5Condition of bond in action for possession after foreclosure of mortgage; after purchase
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 6Condition of bond after foreclosure of tax title
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 6AJudgments; effect
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 7Three years quiet possession; effect
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 8Rent withholding; grounds; amount claimed; presumptions and burden of proof; procedures
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 8AStay of proceedings
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239 § 9Definitions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40B § 20Low or moderate income housing; applications for approval of proposed construction; hearing; appeal
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40B § 21Appeal to housing appeals committee; procedure; judicial review
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40B § 22Hearing by housing appeals committee; issues; powers of disposition; orders; enforcement
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40B § 23Title
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 1Purpose
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 2Definition of rent control
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 3General prohibition; exception
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 4Preemption
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 5Definitions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 1Applicability
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 10Notice requirements for termination of affordability restriction
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 2Purchase option for publicly-assisted housing by department
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 3Sale of publicly assisted housing to third party by purchase contract; submission to department; contents; time for completion of sale
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 4Applicability of Sec. 16 of chapter 30B
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 5Exemptions; requests
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 6Rent increases for protected low-income tenants after termination
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 7Regulatory agreements
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 8Certificate of compliance; request; time for issuance; filing requirements
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40T § 9Definitions
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 1Unfair practices; legislative intent; rules and regulations
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 2Civil actions and remedies; class action; demand for relief; damages; costs; exhausting administrative remedies
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 9Code Compilations
G.L. c. 186
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 — Estates for Years and at Will
Core MA landlord-tenant law: security deposits (§15B), last-month rent, retaliatory eviction (§18), entry rights, habitability warranty, and tenancy termination rules. Includes the dual-effective-date §15B (amended by St. 2025, c. 9).
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 186A
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186AMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 186A — Tenant Protections in Condominium Conversions
Tenant relocation assistance, notice requirements, and purchase-right protections when a residential rental building converts to condominiums.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 239
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 239Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 239 — Summary Process for Possession of Land
The MA eviction statute: grounds, procedure, answer rights, record sealing (§16 — "eviction; petition to seal record"), consumer-reporting agency obligations, and appeal provisions.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 151B
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 151BMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B — Unlawful Discrimination
MA fair-housing law: §4 lists unlawful practices (the operative housing discrimination rules, cross-referenced by 804 CMR 2). Covers race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, familial status, disability, and source of income.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 40P
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40PMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 40P — Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act
Statewide preemption of local rent control: §5 states "this chapter shall preempt, supersede or nullify any inconsistent, contrary or conflicting state or local law." Relevant to Cambridge ch.8.44 and Boston ch.10-2 preemption rows.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 40T
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40TMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 40T — Preservation of Publicly-Assisted Affordable Housing
Notice and right-to-purchase requirements when publicly-assisted affordable housing exits affordability restrictions; tenant and nonprofit purchase rights.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 111 §§127A–127P
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111 §§127A–127P — State Sanitary Code Adoption and Enforcement
The statutory authority for the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410): §127A adopts minimum standards by reference, subsequent sections govern enforcement, inspection, tenant rights to withhold rent, and receivership. §§127H and 127M are repealed.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 111 §§189A–199B
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111 §§189A–199B — Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control (Lead Law)
The MA Lead Law: deleading obligations for landlords with children under 6, inspection and compliance procedures, tenant notice rights, and enforcement. §194A is repealed. Implemented by 105 CMR 460.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 148 §§26–26I
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148 §§26–26I — Smoke and Carbon-Monoxide Detectors
Landlord obligations to install, maintain, and certify smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors in residential rental units; inspection and transfer-of-title requirements.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 40B §§20–23
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40BMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B §§20–23 — Comprehensive Permit (Anti-Snob Zoning Act)
The statutory basis for comprehensive permits that override local zoning to permit affordable housing development; relevant to tenant rights in 40B projects.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 184 §18
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 184Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 184 §18 — Self-Help Eviction Prohibited
Prohibits self-help eviction (lockouts, removal of personal property, utility shutoffs) without a court order; provides tenant remedies.
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 121B (tenancy §§)
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121BMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 121B — Housing Authority Tenancy Provisions
Public housing authority tenancy rules: §32 (rentals, tenant selection, continued occupancy), §§32B–32D (tenant conduct, tenant rights/remedies), §§39–40 (elderly/disabled housing). Exact section list pending legal-research pass (Phase 0 item 4).
Official source: malegislature.gov
G.L. c. 93A §§1, 2, 9
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93AMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A §§1, 2, 9 — Consumer Protection (Hook for 940 CMR 3.17)
§1 = definitions; §2 = prohibits unfair/deceptive acts in trade + grants AG rulemaking authority (source of authority for 940 CMR 3.17); §9 = tenant private right of action for landlord violations. Confirmed as structurally required hooks for 940 CMR 3.17 (Phase 0 item 2, 2026-09-11).
Official source: malegislature.gov