Massachusetts (MA) lease form
Quick answer
Massachusetts does not mandate a written lease for all tenancies, but landlords must provide numerous written disclosures regardless of lease format. Every Massachusetts tenancy requires a move-in statement of condition, a security deposit receipt, and disclosure of the landlord's identity, and any written lease must include specific statutory security deposit language.
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Landlord must disclose the names and addresses of the property owner, the person responsible for maintenance, and the person to receive formal notices and court papers (MGL ch. 186 § 15B).
Within 10 days of the start of tenancy, landlord must provide a signed written statement of all pre-existing damage and code violations in the unit and common areas (MGL ch. 186 § 15B(2)(c)).
Within 30 days of receiving a security deposit, landlord must deposit funds in a separate interest-bearing account and provide a receipt with the bank name, account number, and deposit amount (MGL ch. 186 § 15B(3)).
If water is individually sub-metered, the lease must fully disclose sub-metering details, billing arrangements, and all associated charges (MGL ch. 186 § 22F).
For pre-1978 properties, landlord must provide the EPA pamphlet and disclose any known lead paint hazards before the lease is signed (42 U.S.C. § 4852d).
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 (Estates for Years and at Will). Confirm current requirements or consult an attorney before finalizing a lease.
Massachusetts lease FAQ
Massachusetts law does not require a written lease for all tenancies. However, a written lease is strongly recommended because it must include specific statutory security deposit language, and landlords with written leases must deliver a copy to the tenant.
Landlords must provide a signed statement of condition within 10 days of move-in, a security deposit receipt within 30 days, landlord identity information, and lead paint disclosures for pre-1978 properties.
No. MGL ch. 186 § 15B prohibits application fees. Landlords may only collect first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and a lock or key deposit.
Failure to place the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account, provide the required receipt, or comply with the statutory rules can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to retain any portion of the deposit and owing treble damages to the tenant.
