Massachusetts Room Rental Agreement

Rent out a room in your home or apartment: private room, shared areas, house rules, utilities split, deposit and notice terms that follow your state's law.

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Massachusetts rules that this document follows

Security deposit limit1 month' rentSource: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(1)(b)
Deposit return deadline30 days after move-outSource: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(4)
Interest on depositRequired (see conditions)Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(3)(b) (5% or bank rate, paid annually; separate MA account)
Late feesNo cap; no late fee or interest may be charged until rent is 30 days lateSource: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(1)(c)
Landlord entry noticeNo statutory minimum (lease governs; reasonable notice)Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(1)(a) (reasonable notice; no set hours)
Notice to end month-to-monthLandlord 30 days / Tenant 30 daysSource: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 12 (30 days or one rental period, whichever longer)

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Room Rental Agreement in Massachusetts

Describe the room and the shared areas precisely, set utilities as a fixed charge to avoid monthly arguments, and put guest, quiet-hour and cleaning rules in writing. Give the renter a copy and a receipt for the deposit.

If you are a tenant subletting a room, confirm your lease allows it and get your landlord's written consent first.

Frequently asked questions

Do landlord-tenant laws apply when I rent a room in my own home in Massachusetts?

In most states yes, including deposit rules and eviction procedures, although some states exempt owner-occupied homes from certain rules (for example, parts of fair-housing law under the 'Mrs. Murphy' exemption). This agreement follows Massachusetts's general residential rules to be safe.

Can I remove a roommate without going to court?

No. Once a person is a paying occupant, self-help removal is illegal. Serve the Massachusetts notice and, if needed, file an eviction case.

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FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.