Leases & legal documents
Massachusetts Residential Lease Agreement
Massachusetts has some of the most detailed security deposit rules of any state. Landlords must limit deposits to exactly 1 month’s rent, provide a written condition statement within 10 days of receipt, and pay annual interest on deposits held more than one year. Create a Rocket Lawyer-powered Massachusetts lease through RentRisk and stay on the right side of the law.
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Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Security deposit
1 month's rent
Notice to terminate
30 days
Grace period
No statutory requirement
Entry notice
Reasonable advance notice required (no specific statute; 24 hours is standard practice)
Laws change. Your lease stays current.
Massachusetts landlord-tenant law is governed by G.L. c. 186 with strong tenant protections including strict security deposit rules — landlords must provide a written condition statement within 10 days of receiving a deposit.
“The information above reflects Massachusetts landlord-tenant law as of the date this page was last updated and is provided for general informational purposes only. Laws change. RentRisk lease agreements are powered by Rocket Lawyer, whose legal team monitors state law updates and keeps your agreement current — so even if this page hasn’t been updated, your lease is. This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.”
Everything Your Massachusetts Residential Rental Lease Needs
State-Specific Rental Lease Agreement
Built for Massachusetts law — all required clauses, disclosures, and landlord-tenant rules included out of the box.
E-Sign Any Document
Secure Document Storage
Legal Support When You Need It
Rocket Lawyer attorneys available for questions specific to your Massachusetts rental situation.
Massachusetts Landlord Rental Disclosure Requirements
Landlord & Tenant Rental Lease Process
[01] Build Your Lease
Answer a few questions about your Massachusetts property and tenancy terms.
[02] Customize Terms
Add deposit amounts, pet rules, maintenance responsibilities, and more.
[03] Send for Signature
Send to tenants for e-signature. Countersign and it’s legally binding.
[04] Store & Manage
Lease Agreements Built for Independent Landlords & Real Estate Professionals
Stay Compliant
Massachusetts-specific lease keeps you on the right side of state law.
Lease Faster
Reduce Risk
Stay Organized
Save Money
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Lease Agreements
While oral leases can be valid for short-term tenancies in Massachusetts, a written lease is strongly recommended and legally required for most fixed-term agreements.
A written agreement protects both parties and is enforceable in Massachusetts courts.
1 month’s rent. RentRisk automatically includes the correct security deposit language for MA. in your lease.
Reasonable advance notice required (no specific statute; 24 hours is standard practice),. Your RentRisk lease includes the required entry notice language.
Massachusetts landlords must disclose: Lead paint (pre-1978), landlord name and address, written statement of property condition, last 12 months of utility costs (if requested), sanitary code compliance record. RentRisk includes all required Massachusetts disclosures automatically.
Technically yes, but it’s risky. Generic leases often miss Massachusetts -specific required disclosures and terms. Using a state-specific lease — like those created through RentRisk — ensures you’re covered under Massachusetts law.