Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has released an updated Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights. The new version aims to help both tenants and landlords better understand their legal rights and responsibilities, prevent misunderstandings, and support safe and affordable housing throughout the state.
According to AG Campbell, “Across Massachusetts, more than a million households rent their homes and tens of thousands of landlords work to provide safe and stable housing to these tenants. I am proud to release this updated guide to help tenants and landlords have positive, productive experiences and ensure that people’s rights are respected and upheld across the Commonwealth.”
The revised Guide addresses common issues encountered by the Attorney General’s Office, including new laws related to eviction record sealing and broker fees. It features a “Top 10” list for prospective tenants, offering advice on matters such as application fees, utility bills, and pet policies. Additional topics include types of tenancies, tenant screening processes, fees, evictions, and other key aspects of renting.
Recent changes in Massachusetts law are reflected in the update. The Guide now covers the eviction sealing law that allows individuals with an eviction record to request that those records be sealed by a court. This measure is intended to give affected tenants a chance for a fresh start. The Guide also explains recent legislation on broker fees designed to protect tenants from paying for brokers they did not hire.
New resources highlighted in the Guide include MADE (Massachusetts Defense for Eviction), which assists tenants facing eviction with preparing necessary court forms, as well as UpToCode.org—a free online tool for reporting poor housing conditions. The document also links users to additional resources from the Attorney General’s Office covering unfair fee regulations, prevention of income-based housing discrimination, manufactured housing law guidance, among others.
The Consumer Protection and Advocacy Division within the AGO was responsible for updating the Guide. Residents who believe their consumer rights have been violated can file complaints through the AGO website.
This release follows other recent actions by AG Campbell aimed at improving housing access in Massachusetts. Earlier this month she introduced a grant program supporting implementation of the state’s eviction sealing law. In September she filed suit against an investment firm accused of blocking access to affordable manufactured housing units in Taunton. She also recently secured a $10 million settlement with a Springfield landlord over significant violations affecting more than one thousand tenants.
