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Massachusetts Residential Lease Agreement
TurboTenant's Massachusetts lease agreement, crafted by local attorneys and property owners, ensures legal compliance and full protection for landlords.
Drafting a lease agreement in Massachusetts is a critical step in the landlord-tenant relationship, ensuring that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. With TurboTenant’s Massachusetts Lease Agreement Generator and Templates, landlords are equipped with the tools necessary to create clear, compliant, and comprehensive lease agreements.
Custom Lease
In this section, landlords can personalize their lease agreements with specifics about their property and the rental arrangement. Customizable elements include:
- Additional Provisions: Space for property-specific rules or other desired clauses.
- Lost Key Policy: Tenants are required to pay the full cost of rekeying if keys are not returned upon move-out.
Specific to Massachusetts
To maintain legal compliance, the following clauses are provided:
- Late Fees (Section 2.1): Incurred if rent is overdue by 30 days, a late fee at a rate of five percent (5%) of the unpaid rent can be charged.
- Security Deposit Provisions (Section 2.4): Typically one month’s rent, with an annual 5% interest paid to the tenant. Security deposits must be returned within 30 days after lease termination, along with any accrued interest.
- Condition of Premises (Section 2.6): A Property Condition Report must be provided at lease start and returned within 15 days.
- Notification of Building Problems or Repairs Needed (Section 2.7): Landlords are responsible for repairs impacting health or safety as per State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.00.
- Fair Housing (Section 2.10): The agreement must adhere to federal and state fair housing laws.
General Clauses for Best Practices
Common lease agreement clauses include:
- Subletting (Section 3.1): Subleasing requires the landlord’s written permission.
- Altering or Improving the Property (Section 3.2): Modifications require written consent and return to original condition upon tenant move-out.
- Choice of Law (Section 3.11): Governed by Massachusetts law, with jurisdiction in the property’s county courts.
- Follow the Law (Section 3.14): Tenants must adhere to all laws and avoid being a nuisance.
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FAQ
How much can I charge for late fees in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you can charge a late fee of five percent (5%) of the unpaid rent if it is overdue by 30 days.
What are the requirements for security deposits in Massachusetts?
The security deposit can be up to one month’s rent and must accrue 5% annual interest paid to the tenant. Security deposits must be returned to tenant within 30 days after the lease ends. A property condition statement must also be provided at the beginning of the lease.
How do I handle property condition reports?
Provide a Property Condition Report at the start of the lease, and the tenant has 15 days to return it with any additional notes on the property’s condition.
What should I do if repairs are needed on the property?
Massachusetts law requires landlords to address any repairs that affect the health or safety of residents in accordance with State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.00.
How does the lease agreement address fair housing laws?
The lease agreement must comply with both federal and Massachusetts fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics.
TurboTenant Massachusetts Lease Agreements
TurboTenant offers Massachusetts landlords a Lease Agreement Generator and Templates designed to meet state-specific legal requirements. These tools provide a seamless experience in creating a lease agreement that is not only compliant but also promotes best practices in managing landlord-tenant relationships.
Massachusetts Resources
Jeanne Sanford
Jeanne Sanford is the Paralegal at TurboTenant where she uses her experience to make sure all leases, forms and help center articles are up to date with the latest laws and regulations impacting our landlords.
