Tenant Rights in Fall River, Massachusetts

Last updated: April 2026

Fall River renters are protected by Massachusetts state law, including security deposit limits, habitability requirements, and anti-retaliation protections. There is no local rent control.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No rent control. Massachusetts banned it statewide in 1994 and Fall River has not enacted a new ordinance.
  • 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 end a month-to-month tenancy (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12).
  • Just Cause Eviction: No local just cause ordinance. State eviction procedures apply.
  • Local Resources: South Coastal Counties Legal Services (sccls.org), Massachusetts Legal Help (masslegalhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Fall River

Fall River is a city in Bristol County in Southeastern Massachusetts with a sizable renter population. Like most Massachusetts cities, Fall River has no local rent control or just cause eviction ordinance. Massachusetts state law provides the core tenant protections, and South Coastal Counties Legal Services offers free legal assistance to eligible residents.

2. Does Fall River Have Rent Control?

Fall River has no rent control. The 1994 statewide ballot initiative ended all Massachusetts rent control programs, and Fall River has not passed a new ordinance under the 2020 law (Chapter 358). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

3. Massachusetts State Tenant Protections That Apply in Fall River

Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Fall River 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 with an itemized statement. Violations may result in treble damages.
  • Notice to Terminate (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12): At least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.
  • Repairs and Habitability (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Landlords must comply with the state Sanitary Code. Tenants may report violations to the Fall River Board of Health.
  • Retaliation Protection (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18): Adverse action within 6 months of a protected act is presumed retaliatory.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Fall River

Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Fall River 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 you must receive written notice of the institution and account number within 30 days. At move-out, the deposit plus interest is due within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions. Non-compliance can result in liability for the full deposit plus up to three times any wrongfully withheld amount, plus attorney's fees.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Fall River

Fall River landlords must serve proper written notice before evicting: 14 days for nonpayment, or 30 days for month-to-month termination or lease violations (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). If the tenant does not leave, the landlord must file Summary Process in Bristol County Housing Court. Self-help eviction is prohibited under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14.

6. Resources for Fall River Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fall River have rent control?

No. Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994, and Fall River has not enacted a new ordinance. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Fall River?

There is no cap. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). Fixed-term lease rents cannot increase mid-lease.

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

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

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Fall River?

14 days for nonpayment; 30 days for termination or lease violations (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). After notice, the landlord must file in court.

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

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 Fall River?

Report violations to the Fall River Board of Health. Under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L, serious habitability problems may allow you to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate your lease. Contact South Coastal Counties Legal Services for free help.

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

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