How much notice is required for a rent increase in Boston?

Massachusetts requires at least 30 days written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month tenancy. Some local ordinances require longer notice — check Boston's rules.

Can my landlord raise rent during my lease in Boston?

Generally no — a fixed-term lease in Massachusetts locks the rent until the lease ends. Increases usually apply only at renewal or on a month-to-month tenancy with the required 30-day written notice.

What should I do if my Boston rent increase looks illegal?

Document the notice in writing, calculate the percentage increase, compare to Massachusetts's notice rule, and contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal-aid clinic. You can also send a written dispute letter citing the statute.

Boston, MassachusettsLast reviewed April 2026

Rent increase rules in Boston

Q: Is there a cap on rent increases in Boston?

Massachusetts has no statewide cap on rent increases. Whether Boston has a local rent-stabilization ordinance depends on local law — Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994. Boston has no local cap, but the city's Office of Housing Stability provides mediation. 30 days notice required for month-to-month rent changes.

Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994. Boston has no local cap, but the city's Office of Housing Stability provides mediation. 30 days notice required for month-to-month rent changes.

Skip to the tool ↓

Check your situation

Step 1 of 50%

Location

Where do you rent?

State

City (optional)

ZIP (optional)

I use a Section 8 / Housing Choice VoucherHCV tenants follow different rules — increases require PHA approval and rent-reasonableness review.

Local market context

Your neighborhood (by ZIP)

Compare your rent to U.S. Census Bureau estimates for your specific Boston ZIP code.

Your ZIP code

Enter a 5-digit U.S. ZIP code in Boston to see Census Bureau rent statistics for that neighborhood. Try: , .

Free legal help in Massachusetts

Walk through three quick steps to find the right tenant-rights program for your situation.

What do you need help with?

When you call, ask about: a tenant intake appointment

Say: "I'm a tenant and need help understanding my rights and options."

Bring: your lease, recent rent receipts, and any letters or notices from your landlord.

Tip: swipe left/right on mobile to move between steps.

State listings sourced from the federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC) grantee directory. Educational information, not legal advice or endorsement.

Common questions about Massachusetts rent

Can my landlord raise my rent in Massachusetts? →How much can rent be raised in Massachusetts? →How much notice is required for a rent increase in Massachusetts? →Is a 10% rent increase legal in Massachusetts? →Can my landlord raise rent without notice in Massachusetts? →Can my landlord raise rent during my lease in Massachusetts? →

State rules that apply in Boston

Massachusetts banned rent control by a 1994 vote, so there's no cap. Your landlord has to give you at least 30 days' notice (or one rental period) before raising rent on a month-to-month lease. Required notice: 30 days.

Local resource

Boston Office of Housing Stability (opens in new tab)

State source

M.G.L. c.186 §12 (opens in new tab)

Educational information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney or tenant-rights organization for your specific situation.

Free, no-login tools that work together with this one.