What disclosures are required in a Massachusetts lease?

Lead-based paint disclosure (federal law — required for any housing built before 1978). Massachusetts Tenant Lead Law Notification — the state lead form and materials, plus any lead inspection or compliance report, with a signed tenant certification; required for pre-1978 rentals and stricter than the federal lead disclosure (M.G.L. c.111 §197A). Security-deposit handling — a receipt within 30 days (bank, account, amount), a statement of condition at move-in, the deposit held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account, and annual interest (M.G.L. c.186 §15B); MA's deposit rules are strict and carry treble-damages penalties. Confirm current requirements with Massachusetts's landlord-tenant law.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?

1 month's rent; held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account (M.G.L. c.186 §15B). The deposit must be returned within: Within 30 days of the tenancy ending, with interest and — for any deductions — a sworn, itemized list of damages (M.G.L. c.186 §15B).

How much notice to end a month-to-month lease in Massachusetts?

Notice equal to the rent interval or 30 days, whichever is longer (M.G.L. c.186 §12).

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Massachusetts Residential Lease Agreement

Create a residential lease built for Massachusetts, including the disclosures the state requires. Fixed-term or month-to-month, free PDF download, no signup.

Verified against Massachusetts statute · 2026-06-10

Massachusetts lease rules at a glance

Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent; held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account (M.G.L. c.186 §15B).
Deposit return window: Within 30 days of the tenancy ending, with interest and — for any deductions — a sworn, itemized list of damages (M.G.L. c.186 §15B).
Notice (month-to-month): Notice equal to the rent interval or 30 days, whichever is longer (M.G.L. c.186 §12).
Rent control: Rent control is prohibited statewide; localities may not enact it (M.G.L. c.40P, 1994).

Required disclosures in Massachusetts

Lead-based paint disclosure (federal law — required for any housing built before 1978).
Massachusetts Tenant Lead Law Notification — the state lead form and materials, plus any lead inspection or compliance report, with a signed tenant certification; required for pre-1978 rentals and stricter than the federal lead disclosure (M.G.L. c.111 §197A).
Security-deposit handling — a receipt within 30 days (bank, account, amount), a statement of condition at move-in, the deposit held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account, and annual interest (M.G.L. c.186 §15B); MA's deposit rules are strict and carry treble-damages penalties.

State

Lease type

Landlord name

Landlord address (optional)

Tenant name(s)

Property address

Start date

End date

Monthly rent

Rent due day

Security deposit

Late fee (optional)

Utilities (who pays)

Pets allowed

Massachusetts required disclosures

Lead-based paint disclosure (federal law — required for any housing built before 1978).
Massachusetts Tenant Lead Law Notification — the state lead form and materials, plus any lead inspection or compliance report, with a signed tenant certification; required for pre-1978 rentals and stricter than the federal lead disclosure (M.G.L. c.111 §197A).
Security-deposit handling — a receipt within 30 days (bank, account, amount), a statement of condition at move-in, the deposit held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account, and annual interest (M.G.L. c.186 §15B); MA's deposit rules are strict and carry treble-damages penalties.

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Starting template, not legal advice. Lease law varies by state and changes — have an attorney review before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What disclosures are required in a Massachusetts lease?: Lead-based paint disclosure (federal law — required for any housing built before 1978). Massachusetts Tenant Lead Law Notification — the state lead form and materials, plus any lead inspection or compliance report, with a signed tenant certification; required for pre-1978 rentals and stricter than the federal lead disclosure (M.G.L. c.111 §197A). Security-deposit handling — a receipt within 30 days (bank, account, amount), a statement of condition at move-in, the deposit held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account, and annual interest (M.G.L. c.186 §15B); MA's deposit rules are strict and carry treble-damages penalties. Confirm current requirements with Massachusetts's landlord-tenant law.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?: 1 month's rent; held in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts account (M.G.L. c.186 §15B). The deposit must be returned within: Within 30 days of the tenancy ending, with interest and — for any deductions — a sworn, itemized list of damages (M.G.L. c.186 §15B).
How much notice to end a month-to-month lease in Massachusetts?: Notice equal to the rent interval or 30 days, whichever is longer (M.G.L. c.186 §12).

Renting as a business in Massachusetts? Get your Massachusetts License Checklist and check a name with Business Name Search.

This template is a starting point for residential leases in Massachusetts, USA. It is not legal advice. Lease law varies by state and changes — confirm requirements with Massachusetts and have an attorney review it before signing.