Massachusetts has strong, tenant-protective rental law. Lawful source of income — including Section 8 and other rental subsidies — is a protected class statewide (G.L. c.151B), the security-deposit rules are among the strictest in the country, and eviction runs through a careful court process called summary process (G.L. c.239). The state also funds its own programs most states don’t have: the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and RAFT emergency assistance. Rent control has been banned statewide since a 1994 ballot question. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is the state housing agency. This page covers the statewide rules, the eviction timeline, and links to every Massachusetts city we cover.
- 211 — free, 24/7 — for any housing emergency anywhere in Massachusetts
- MassLegalHelp.org (free legal aid): masslegalhelp.org
- EOHLC (state housing agency): mass.gov/EOHLC
- RAFT emergency help: apply via mass.gov
- HUD fair housing: 1-800-669-9777
Public Housing & Vouchers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has both federal and state-funded rental help:
- Federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing run through local housing authorities (the Boston Housing Authority is the largest) and regional administering agencies
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) — a state-funded voucher (mobile and project-based) that works much like Section 8 but is paid for by the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is one of the few states with its own voucher program
- LIHTC income-restricted apartments financed through the state — search HUD’s LIHTC database or read how to find LIHTC housing
Apply to several authorities at once. Use HUD’s PHA directory or our how to find your PHA and how to apply for Section 8 guides. City waitlist status is on the city pages below.
Source-of-Income Protection (Statewide)
Under G.L. c.151B, § 4(10), it is illegal in Massachusetts to refuse to rent to someone, or impose different terms, because they receive federal, state, or local rental assistance or public assistance — including a Section 8 or MRVP voucher. A landlord also may not refuse because of any requirement of the assistance program (such as an inspection). Refusing RAFT money that would cover the full amount owed can itself be a violation. File a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and read our source-of-income protections guide.
Emergency Rental Assistance in Massachusetts
- RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) is the state’s ongoing emergency program — up to about $7,000 per household in a 12-month period for rent arrears, future rent, utilities, or moving costs. Crucially, a landlord cannot evict you for nonpayment while a RAFT application is pending. Apply through your regional administering agency or at mass.gov
- HomeBASE helps families leaving or at risk of shelter with longer-term support
- Dial 211 for local funds and your regional Coordinated Entry; LIHEAP / fuel assistance lowers winter heating bills — see utility assistance programs
See our emergency rental assistance guide for the national picture.
Massachusetts Tenant Law: Key Protections at a Glance
Quick Reference: Massachusetts (MA)
- Source-of-income protection: yes — statewide (G.L. c.151B, § 4(10)); vouchers and subsidies cannot be refused
- Rent control: banned statewide since 1994; no city has it
- Security deposit limit: 1 month’s rent (G.L. c.186, § 15B)
- Deposit handling: separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account; 5% (or actual) interest paid yearly; statement of condition required
- Deposit return deadline: 30 days; violations can mean triple damages plus attorney’s fees
- Eviction notice (nonpayment): 14-day notice to quit (G.L. c.186, §§ 11–12)
- Right to cure: a tenant can usually stop a first nonpayment eviction by paying all rent, interest, and costs
- Self-help eviction: illegal — up to 3 months’ rent in damages (G.L. c.186, § 14)
Security deposits
Massachusetts deposit law (G.L. c.186, § 15B) is strict and heavily enforced. The deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent; it must be held in a separate, interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, with the bank and account disclosed to you; the landlord must give a receipt and a statement of condition; and interest (5% or the actual rate) must be paid each year. The deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenancy ending. If the landlord mishandles it — commingling, no statement of condition, missing interest — you may be entitled to triple the deposit plus court costs and attorney’s fees. See how to recover your security deposit.
Eviction process & how long it takes
Eviction is “summary process” under G.L. c.239, and self-help eviction is illegal (G.L. c.186, § 14 — the landlord can owe up to three months’ rent). The sequence:
- 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment (other grounds use the notice in your lease or 30 days for a tenancy at will)
- Summary process summons and complaint with set entry and answer dates; you file a written answer and can raise defenses and counterclaims (habitability, deposit violations, retaliation, discrimination)
- Hearing and judgment in District or Housing Court — Housing Court has tenant-friendly procedures and housing specialists who mediate
- Execution issues about 10 days after judgment; a sheriff or constable must give 48 hours’ notice before a physical move-out
Because of the answer process, counterclaims, and the right to cure, a Massachusetts eviction commonly takes two to four months, and longer if contested. Do not move out just because you got a notice — you have strong defenses. Get a lawyer through MassLegalHelp.org and read how to avoid eviction.
Other Housing Programs in Massachusetts
- Public housing — state- and federally-funded apartments run by local housing authorities; apply through CHAMP (the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs)
- HUD-VASH (veterans) — a voucher paired with VA case management; see how to apply for HUD-VASH
- Rapid re-housing — access through Coordinated Entry by calling 211
- Eviction prevention — our eviction prevention hub explains what to do before your court date
Major Massachusetts Cities We Cover
Where to Get Help in Massachusetts
Free legal aid: MassLegalHelp.org connects renters to Greater Boston Legal Services and regional offices; many tenants qualify for free eviction defense.
State housing agency: the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities oversees MRVP, RAFT, public housing, and LIHTC.
Find your local PHA: HUD’s PHA directory or our how to find your PHA guide.
211 helpline: dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for rental help, shelters, and utility assistance.
Discrimination: file with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or HUD (1-800-669-9777).
Next Steps
Not sure where to start? Our Where to Start tool routes you to the right mix of Massachusetts programs in about two minutes.
If you are behind on rent, apply for RAFT right away — a pending application blocks a nonpayment eviction. Find a lawyer through MassLegalHelp.org and read eviction prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher in Massachusetts?
No. Under G.L. c.151B, section 4(10), it is illegal to refuse to rent, or impose different terms, because a tenant receives federal, state, or local rental assistance or public assistance - including a Section 8 or MRVP voucher. A landlord also cannot refuse because of a program requirement like an inspection. File a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
What are the security deposit rules in Massachusetts?
The deposit is capped at one month's rent (G.L. c.186, 15B). It must be held in a separate, interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, with the account disclosed to you; the landlord must give a receipt and a statement of condition and pay you interest yearly; and the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Mishandling it can entitle you to triple the deposit plus court costs and attorney's fees - one of the strongest deposit laws in the country.
What is RAFT and how does it help with eviction?
RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) is Massachusetts's ongoing emergency program - up to about $7,000 per household in a 12-month period for rent arrears, future rent, utilities, or moving costs. Importantly, a landlord cannot evict you for nonpayment while your RAFT application is pending. Apply through your regional agency or at mass.gov.
How long does an eviction take in Massachusetts?
Usually two to four months, and longer if contested. After a 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment, the landlord files a summary process case; you file a written answer and can raise defenses and counterclaims. After judgment, an execution issues about 10 days later, and a sheriff must give 48 hours' notice before a move-out. Many tenants can stop a first nonpayment case by paying all rent, interest, and costs.
Is there rent control in Massachusetts?
No. Rent control has been banned statewide since a 1994 ballot question, and no Massachusetts city currently has it. Cities like Boston have proposed local rent stabilization, but it would need state authorization that has not been granted. Your protection against an increase comes from your lease and required notice.