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How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in Massachusetts?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days
Rent increase for tenant at will uses the same termination-notice period
Notice: At least 30 days before the rent increase takes effect
For tenants at will, a rent increase is done by a written notice ending the tenancy and offering a new one at the new rent, with at least one rental period or 30 days' notice, whichever is longer.
"Such written notice may include an offer to establish a new tenancy for the same premises on terms different from that of the tenancy being terminated and the validity of such written notice shall not be affected by the inclusion of such offer." malegislature.gov
Rent increase for tenant at will uses the same termination-notice period Verified
Deadline: At least 30 days before the rent increase takes effect
For tenants at will, a rent increase is done by a written notice ending the tenancy and offering a new one at the new rent, with at least one rental period or 30 days' notice, whichever is longer.
Who it covers: No state rent control. Mid-lease increases governed by the lease.
"Such written notice may include an offer to establish a new tenancy for the same premises on terms different from that of the tenancy being terminated and the validity of such written notice shall not be affected by the inclusion of such offer." malegislature.gov
Notes: Inference from M.G.L. c.186 §12; the statute does not use the words 'rent increase'. Rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction