Massachusetts Rental Fees & Regulations

Massachusetts Rental Fees & Regulations

Key rental payment and fee regulations in Massachusetts that affect how property management companies handle rent collection, delinquency, and compliance.

This page provides a factual, reference-style overview of key rental fee and payment-related regulations in Massachusetts. It is designed to help property owners, operators, and industry professionals quickly understand how Massachusetts approaches common rental fees, nonpayment, and eviction timelines.

Nonsufficient Funds (NSFs) Fee Regulations in Massachusetts

The table below summarizes common rental fee types and whether Massachusetts law places limits or disclosure requirements on them.

Fee Type Disclosure Requirement Maximum Fee Allowed
Nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee Lease disclosure recommended $25 (or 1% of total check value, for checks over $2,500 value)

Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 60 § 57A

Nonpayment, Late Fees, and Eviction Timelines in Massachusetts

This table outlines how Massachusetts law treats rent nonpayment, late fees, and the eviction process.

Required Grace Period Late Fee Regulations Written Notice Required Time to Correct or Vacate
30 days No statutory limit Yes 14 days, unless lease specifies differently

Source: MGL 186 § 15B(1c)) &

Maximum Allowable Rental-Related Fees in Massachusetts

The following table summarizes maximum limits for other common rental-related charges.

Fee Category Maximum Allowed
Security deposit One month’s rent
Junk fees Application/screening: At or before the start of tenancy, landlords may not charge any application/screening or other fees beyond what the statute lists. Brokers can charge separate broker fees, but that’s outside the landlord-fee bucket.
Convenience/processing: No express “convenience fee” statute, but any such charge from the landlord would likely conflict with the rule limiting allowable upfront amounts.
Other non-rent fees: Landlords may charge only: first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit, and key/lock costs at move-in.
Other mandatory landlord junk fees are effectively prohibited.

Source: MGL 186 § 15B(b(iii)) & Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law



Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It summarizes rental payment, fee, and eviction-related regulations based on publicly available sources and may not reflect the most current legal developments or the specific circumstances of your property. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Domuso. Domuso makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information for any particular situation. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and should consult a qualified legal professional for guidance specific to your property or location. Domuso disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided on this page.

Last updated: January 2026

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