Tenant Rights in Lawrence, Massachusetts

Last updated: April 2026

Lawrence renters are covered by Massachusetts state law, which sets strict security deposit rules, habitability standards, and anti-retaliation protections. There is no local rent control in Lawrence.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No rent control. Massachusetts banned it statewide in 1994 and Lawrence 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: Northeast Legal Aid (northeastlegalaid.org), Massachusetts Legal Help (masslegalhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Lawrence

Lawrence is a city in Essex County in the Merrimack Valley region with a largely working-class renter population. The city has no local rent control or just cause eviction ordinance. Massachusetts state law provides the core tenant protections, and Northeast Legal Aid offers free legal services for income-qualifying Lawrence renters.

2. Does Lawrence Have Rent Control?

Lawrence has no rent control. Massachusetts voters ended all rent control programs statewide in 1994, and Lawrence has not passed a new ordinance under the 2020 law (Chapter 358). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.

3. Massachusetts State Tenant Protections That Apply in Lawrence

Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence

Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Lawrence landlords may not collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit. It must be held in a separate, interest-bearing bank account, and you must receive written notice of the bank 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 Lawrence

Lawrence 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 Essex County Housing Court. Self-help eviction is prohibited under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14.

6. Resources for Lawrence Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lawrence have rent control?

No. Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994, and Lawrence has not enacted a new ordinance. Landlords may raise rent freely with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Lawrence?

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 be raised mid-lease.

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

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 Lawrence?

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 Lawrence?

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 Lawrence?

Report violations to the Lawrence Board of Health. Under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L, serious habitability issues may allow you to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate your lease. Contact Northeast Legal Aid for free legal help.

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

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