Massachusetts Standard Residential Lease Agreement

A Massachusetts standard residential lease agreement is a one-year contract between a landlord and renter to use a rental space. The contract is legally binding and provides security to both the landlord and renter by outlining all of the rules and stipulations of the agreement. The landlord may require a credit check on the tenant to ensure they can cover the monthly rent.

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Last updated May 10th, 2024

A Massachusetts standard residential lease agreement is a one-year contract between a landlord and renter to use a rental space. The contract is legally binding and provides security to both the landlord and renter by outlining all of the rules and stipulations of the agreement. The landlord may require a credit check on the tenant to ensure they can cover the monthly rent.

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Disclosures

Fire Insurance – Landlords must provide the tenant with the proper fire insurance within 15 days of being requested. (M.G.L. c. 186, § 21)

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – For buildings constructed before 1978, federal law requires landlords to provide their tenants with a lead-paint disclosure that informs the renters of the possible harms of toxic lead paint. (EPA/HUD Fact Sheet)

Last Month’s Rent Receipt – If the landlord collects the last month’s rent at the start of the lease, then they must provide a receipt. (The Attorney General’s Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights)

Security Deposit Receipt – A security deposit receipt must be provided to the tenant, showing the property’s amount, date, and description. (Ch. 186 § 15B(2)(b))

Statement of Condition – If the landlord requires a security deposit, a statement of condition report of the rental unit must be provided to the tenant. (Ch. 186 § 15B(2)(c))

Rent Grace Period

There is a 30-day rent grace period in the state of Massachusetts. (Ch. 186 § 15B(1)(c))

Security Deposit

Maximum Amount – In Massachusetts, a landlord may charge a security deposit of one month’s rent (Ch. 186 § 15B(1)(b)(iii))

Returning – Landlords have 30 days to return the security deposit after the end of the lease. (Ch. 186 § 15B(4))

  • Deductions – If the security deposit is deducted, the landlord must provide a list of damages within 30 days of the lease’s end date. (Ch. 186 § 15B(4)(iii))