A Massachusetts lease agreement is a legally binding document that creates a relationship between the Landlord and Tenant when renting real estate property. The Landlord is responsible for verifying the Tenant’s income and a credit check.

Rental Application – This verification form is a tool for Landlords to screen future Tenants. The form is designed to provide an overview of the applicant’s rental history, employment status, and financial situation.

Options By Type

Standard Residential Lease Agreement

Simple (1-Page) Lease Agreement

Most Recent US Home Facts

Population (2023): 334,914,895
Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Required Disclosures (5)

Fire Insurance
Inventory Checklist
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
Security Deposit Receipt
Follow-up Deposit Statement

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount – Landlords may only request one (1) month’s rent as the maximum amount allowed.
Returning – Landlords must return the Tenant’s deposit within thirty (30) days after the Tenant has vacated the property.
How to Deposit – In accordance with Massachusetts law, landlords are required to adhere to specific security deposit procedures at the commencement of a lease agreement. Failure to comply with these procedural requirements may result in financial penalties up to three times the amount of the security deposit, in addition to a 5% penalty, and the responsibility of the landlord to cover the tenant’s legal fees.

Source: § 15B(1)(b)(iii)

Grace Period

Rent is due on the date specified in the lease agreement. Late fees cannot be charged until 30 days after the due date. If the tenant is late on rent, the landlord can begin eviction proceedings the next day by issuing a 14-day notice to quit.

Source: § 15B(1)(c)

Late Fees

Maximum Penalty – No limit (infinite amount according to written lease)

NSF Fee – The maximum fee for NSF is 1% for checks of $2,500 or more. A $25 fee may be charged for checks under $2,500.

Source: § 57A

Right to Enter

According to the Sanitary Code, the landlord is obligated to provide reasonable notice before entering the rental property for any repairs. While it is not mandatory, it is advisable for the landlord to give notice to the tenant for any other reason to enter the premises

Source: § 410.810

Sample

Massachusetts Simple 1 Page Residential Lease Agreement