Your Landlord Is Raising Your Rent A Lot, What Can You Do?

It was only a matter of time after all the other increases on groceries, gas, and such have now trickled down to you having to pay more for your rent. A friend of mine I have known for years was told by her landlord that there would be an increase in her rent.

I am not talking fifty dollars more like a couple of hundred. In some states, there is the 2% rule that landlords can only raise your rent by 2%, but I found out that does not apply here in Massachusetts.

Here's how it goes down with landlords in Massachusetts. If you’re a fixed-term tenant in Massachusetts, a landlord is only allowed to increase your rent when your lease is up—unless there’s a clause in the lease that specifically allows for it.

If you’re a month-to-month tenant, your rent can be raised at any time. But, your landlord is required to give you at least 30 days' notice before putting the increase into effect.

If you signed a lease read through it to see if there is any information on rent control

There is no rent control in Massachusetts, for you, which means there's no limit to how much your landlord can raise the rent.

Coronavirus has not changed this—although many states passed laws to protect renters from eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic, they haven't gone so far as to ban rent increases. There are no restrictions (temporary or otherwise) in Massachusetts that prevent your landlord from raising your rent during this time.

One of the things you should do if you are a renter is get information so you know what you are up against with your landlord. For more on this topic and other questions you may have as a renter check out Mass Legal Help or Tenants Rights.

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