Massachusetts renter rights for international students (2026)

MA security deposit law (the strictest in the US), Sanitary Code, eviction process, and where to get free help in Cambridge and Boston.

Massachusetts has tenant-friendly laws — particularly around security deposits. Here's what every international student renter in MA (Cambridge, Boston, Allston, Somerville) must know in 2026.

Security deposit

Maximum: 1 month's rent.
Landlord must put it in a separate interest-bearing account at a MA bank within 30 days. They must give you the bank name and account number.
Interest must be paid annually (5% or actual rate, whichever is less).
Return deadline: 30 days after move-out, with itemized statement of deductions and receipts.
MA security deposit law is famously strict — even minor landlord mistakes can mean tenant gets full deposit back + 3× damages + attorney fees.

Last month's rent

Landlords often collect last month's rent at lease signing. This is legal in MA (unlike many states). Tenant must receive interest annually on this also.

Habitability (Sanitary Code)

Heat: minimum 68°F day, 64°F night, Sept 16 – June 14.
Hot water: 110–130°F year-round.
Free of pests, mold, lead paint hazards.
Working smoke + CO detectors (landlord responsibility to install).

Eviction

14-day notice for non-payment, 7-day for lease violation, 30-day for tenancy at will (month-to-month).
Landlord must file a Summary Process eviction case in Housing Court. Process is 4–8 weeks minimum.
MA has a Right to Counsel pilot in some areas — free legal representation for tenants below 200% of poverty line.

Lead paint disclosure

MA has unique "deleading" laws. Buildings built before 1978 with children under 6 must be deleaded. This rarely affects student renters but is good to know if you bring family.

Boston-specific protections

The City of Boston has the JET (Just Eviction Talk) program for mediation.
Boston has rules around brokerage fees disclosure — you must be told upfront if there's a broker fee (typically 1 month's rent in Allston/Brookline).
September 1 is the famous Boston move-in day — 60% of leases start this date. U-Haul and parking are insane. If possible, pick a different start date.

Where to get help

City Life / Vida Urbana — Jamaica Plain-based tenant organizing.
Greater Boston Legal Services — free legal aid for low-income tenants.
Massachusetts Attorney General Consumer Hotline — 617-727-8400.
Volunteer Lawyers Project — pro bono attorneys.

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