Tenant Rights in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Last updated: April 2026

Cambridge renters enjoy strong state-level protections and active local housing code enforcement. Though Cambridge once had rent control until 1994, no new ordinance is in effect as of 2026.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No rent control. Cambridge had rent control until 1994 when voters repealed it statewide. No new ordinance has been enacted.
  • Security Deposit: Capped at 1 month's rent; held in a separate interest-bearing account; returned within 30 days with an itemized statement (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B).
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 30 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12).
  • Just Cause Eviction: No local just cause ordinance in Cambridge. State eviction procedures apply.
  • Local Protections: Cambridge has a Tenants Rights ordinance and a Rental Registration program. The city actively enforces housing codes and provides tenant resources through the Cambridge Office of Housing.
  • Local Resources: Greater Boston Legal Services (gbls.org), Cambridge Office of Housing (cambridgema.gov/housing), Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Community Resources

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Cambridge

Cambridge is a densely populated city in Middlesex County, home to Harvard University and MIT, with one of the most competitive rental markets in Massachusetts. Cambridge famously had rent control until 1994 when the statewide ballot measure ended all such programs. Today, no local rent stabilization ordinance is in effect, but Cambridge maintains a Rental Registration program and active housing code enforcement through the Cambridge Office of Housing. State law provides the primary tenant protections.

2. Does Cambridge Have Rent Control?

Cambridge no longer has rent control. The city had a rent control program for decades until Massachusetts voters passed Ballot Question 9 in 1994, which banned rent control statewide. The 2020 state law (Chapter 358) permits cities to enact new rent stabilization ordinances, but Cambridge has not done so as of 2026. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, subject to lease terms and notice requirements.

3. Massachusetts State Tenant Protections That Apply in Cambridge

Massachusetts state law provides these core protections for Cambridge renters:

  • Security Deposit (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B): Maximum of one month's rent; held in a separate interest-bearing account; returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Violations may result in treble damages plus attorney's fees.
  • Notice to Terminate (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12): At least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, expiring at end of a rental period.
  • Repairs and Habitability (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Landlords must maintain units per the Sanitary Code. Tenants may report violations to the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department and may withhold rent or repair-and-deduct for serious violations.
  • Retaliation Protection (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18): Landlords cannot raise rent, reduce services, or evict in retaliation for exercising legal rights. Adverse action within 6 months of a protected act is presumed retaliatory.

4. Cambridge-Specific Rules and Local Protections

Cambridge has local tenant-focused programs beyond state law:

  • Rental Registration Program: Landlords in Cambridge are required to register rental units with the city. This helps ensure code compliance and gives tenants a resource for tracking landlord obligations.
  • Cambridge Office of Housing: The Office of Housing provides tenant counseling, information on tenant rights, and referrals to legal aid services (cambridgema.gov/housing).
  • Tenants Rights Ordinance: Cambridge has a local ordinance that reinforces tenant rights and provides a framework for housing code enforcement and dispute resolution.

5. Security Deposit Rules in Cambridge

Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Cambridge landlords may not collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit. The deposit must be held in a separate, interest-bearing bank account, and the landlord must provide written notice of the bank name and account number within 30 days. Upon move-out, the deposit plus accrued interest must be returned within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Landlords who violate these rules can be liable for the full deposit plus up to three times any amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees.

6. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Cambridge

Landlords in Cambridge must follow the Massachusetts Summary Process to evict a tenant. This begins with proper written notice: a 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment of rent, or a 30-day notice for termination of a month-to-month tenancy or lease violations (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord files in Cambridge Housing Court. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14 and may result in significant damages.

7. Resources for Cambridge Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cambridge have rent control?

No. Cambridge had rent control until 1994, when Massachusetts voters repealed it statewide. No new ordinance has been passed. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Cambridge?

There is no cap on rent increases. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required before an increase takes effect (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). Lease rents cannot increase mid-term.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Cambridge?

30 days from move-out, with interest and an itemized statement of deductions (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B). Non-compliance can result in treble damages.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Cambridge?

14 days for nonpayment; 30 days for month-to-month termination or other lease violations (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). The landlord must then file in Housing Court if you do not leave.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Cambridge?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14. The landlord can face liability for up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Cambridge?

Report violations to the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department. Under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L, serious habitability violations may entitle you to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate your lease. Contact Greater Boston Legal Services for free legal help.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Cambridge and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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