Cal. Civ. Code § 2
Unfair practices; legislative intent; rules and regulations
Operative Text
Section 2. (a) Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce are hereby declared unlawful. (b) It is the intent of the legislature that in construing paragraph (a) of this section in actions brought under sections four, nine and eleven, the courts will be guided by the interpretations given by the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Courts to section 5(a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1)), as from time to time amended. (c) The attorney general may make rules and regulations interpreting the provisions of subsection 2(a) of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall not be inconsistent with the rules, regulations and decisions of the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Courts interpreting the provisions of 15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1) (The Federal Trade Commission Act), as from time to time amended.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 2 establishes that unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce are unlawful in Massachusetts. Courts interpreting this prohibition are directed to look to how federal authorities — specifically the Federal Trade Commission and federal courts — have construed the analogous federal standard under the FTC Act. The Attorney General also holds authority to issue rules and regulations that further define what conduct falls within this prohibition, provided those rules remain consistent with federal interpretations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 2, property owners and managers operating in the rental market are subject to the state's broad prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts and practices in trade or commerce. Compliant operators generally ensure that their leasing, marketing, and rent-collection practices are transparent, accurate, and free from misleading representations. Because courts look to FTC and federal court interpretations when applying this standard, operators familiar with federal consumer-protection norms will recognize the general contours of conduct that this section targets.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 2 provides tenants a legal foundation to challenge unfair or deceptive conduct by a landlord acting in trade or commerce. Tenants who believe a landlord's practices — such as misrepresenting unit conditions, fees, or lease terms — may violate this section can explore filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, raising a c. 93A violation as a defense or counterclaim in housing proceedings, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available enforcement paths. Because the standard under § 2 draws on both state and federal interpretations, the range of conduct potentially covered is broad.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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