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Rent Clarified
Boston, MassachusettsLast reviewed April 2026

Rent increase rules in Boston

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.

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

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.

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

State rules that apply in Boston

Statewide rent control banned by 1994 ballot measure. 30-day (or one rental period) notice required to terminate or raise rent on month-to-month. 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.