Massachusetts Attorney General's Office

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General is an advocate and resource for the Commonwealth and its residents in many areas, including protecting consumers, combating fraud and corruption, protecting civil rights, and promoting meaningful economic recovery. The Landlord and Tenant's Rights guide, found below, outlines rental agreement considerations, as well as rules regarding types of tenancies, payments, evictions, habitable living conditions, and housing discrimination. For more information, visit the office's landlord and tenant rights page.

Housing Discrimination

In Massachusetts, it is unlawful for a housing provider to discriminate against a current or prospective tenant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran/military status, presence of lead paint, or genetic information.

If you have been treated unfairly by a property owner or manager because of one of these characteristics, call (617) 963-2917 or file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

The Attorney General's Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights

(Click to open)