Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.
Medway is a small town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Boston. While Medway's rental market is modest compared to larger Metro Boston communities, renters here are fully covered by Massachusetts state tenant protections — some of the strongest in the country. Tenants commonly search for information about security deposit rules, what notice a landlord must give before ending a tenancy, and what to do if a landlord refuses to make repairs.
Massachusetts law governs virtually every aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship in Medway. The state's Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) sets strict habitability standards, M.G.L. c. 186 governs lease terms and notice requirements, and M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B imposes some of the strictest security deposit rules in the nation. Medway has not enacted any local landlord-tenant ordinances beyond what state law requires.
This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a specific dispute with your landlord, consider contacting a qualified attorney or a legal aid organization in your area.
Medway has no rent control, and landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice at the end of a lease term or rental period. This is the result of a statewide prohibition that has been in place since 1994, when Massachusetts voters approved Question 9, a ballot initiative that repealed rent control in every city and town that had it — including Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline — and barred municipalities from enacting new ordinances.
In 2020, the state legislature passed Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020, which removed the statutory prohibition and theoretically allows cities and towns to enact local rent control ordinances again. However, as of April 2026, no Massachusetts municipality — including Medway — has enacted a new rent stabilization or rent control ordinance. There is no pending ordinance in Medway.
In practice, this means Medway landlords can raise rent to any market rate at lease renewal, and there is no cap on how much the rent can increase. Tenants on fixed-term leases are protected from increases until the lease expires, but month-to-month tenants can receive a rent increase with as little as 30 days' written notice under M.G.L. c. 186, § 12.
Although Medway has no local tenant ordinances, Massachusetts state law provides renters with strong protections across several key areas.
Security Deposits (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B): Landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than one month's rent. The deposit must be placed in a separate, interest-bearing bank account within the state, and the tenant must receive written notice of the bank name, address, and account number within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Landlords must return the deposit — along with accrued interest — within 30 days of the tenancy ending, accompanied by an itemized written statement of any deductions. Failure to comply can expose the landlord to treble damages plus attorney's fees.
Habitability and Repairs (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Massachusetts landlords are required to maintain rental units in compliance with the state Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410), which sets minimum standards for heat, hot water, structural safety, pest control, and more. Tenants who believe their unit violates the Sanitary Code can file a complaint with the Medway Board of Health. If a landlord fails to address serious code violations, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, use the repair-and-deduct remedy, or terminate the lease under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L.
Notice to Terminate (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12): To end a month-to-month tenancy, either party must give at least 30 days' written notice, and that notice must expire at the end of a rental period. For example, if rent is due on the first of the month, a notice given on April 5 would not be effective until May 31. Tenants on fixed-term leases cannot be terminated before the lease expires except for cause (e.g., nonpayment of rent or lease violations).
Anti-Retaliation (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18): Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from raising rent, reducing services, or initiating eviction proceedings in retaliation for a tenant's exercise of legal rights — such as reporting a housing code violation, organizing with other tenants, or contacting a government agency. Any adverse action taken within six months of a protected tenant act is legally presumed to be retaliatory, shifting the burden of proof to the landlord.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (M.G.L. c. 186, § 14): Landlords are strictly prohibited from attempting to evict a tenant by locking them out, removing their belongings, or shutting off essential utilities such as heat, hot water, or electricity. A tenant subjected to an illegal lockout or utility shutoff may recover actual damages, up to three months' rent, or both, plus attorney's fees under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14.
Anti-Discrimination (M.G.L. c. 151B): Massachusetts law bars housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, military status, and source of income (including housing vouchers). Tenants who experience discrimination may file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
Massachusetts has among the most tenant-protective security deposit laws in the United States, and those rules apply fully in Medway under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B.
Cap: A landlord may not collect a security deposit exceeding one month's rent. If your monthly rent is $1,800, the maximum deposit is $1,800. Landlords also cannot collect the last month's rent and a security deposit totaling more than two months' rent upfront (plus first month's rent and a lock-change fee).
Separate Account Requirement: The security deposit must be deposited in a Massachusetts bank account that is separate from the landlord's personal or business funds and must bear interest. Within 30 days of receiving the deposit, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written receipt identifying the bank, its address, and the account number.
Interest: The deposit accrues interest at the rate of 5% per year, or the actual rate paid by the bank, whichever is lower. Interest must be paid to the tenant annually (or credited toward rent) and returned with the deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Return Deadline: The landlord must return the deposit — along with any accrued interest and an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days of the tenancy ending. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear, supported by documentation.
Penalty for Violations: If a landlord fails to return the deposit on time, fails to provide the required written statement, improperly withholds any portion, or otherwise violates M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, the tenant may be entitled to treble damages (three times the amount wrongfully withheld), plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. These remedies apply even if the landlord's violation is technical — for example, failing to provide the bank account notice within 30 days.
Eviction in Medway follows the Massachusetts summary process procedure, governed primarily by M.G.L. c. 239 (Summary Process) and M.G.L. c. 186. Landlords must strictly follow each step; shortcuts are illegal and can result in liability.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve the tenant with proper written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Summons and Complaint: If the tenant does not vacate by the end of the notice period, the landlord may file a Summary Process Summons and Complaint in the Eastern Norfolk Division of the District Court (or Housing Court if applicable). The tenant will be served with a court date.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: The tenant has the right to appear and present defenses at the hearing. Common defenses include improper notice, retaliation (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18), habitability violations (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L), and discrimination. If the landlord wins a judgment, the tenant typically has 10 days to appeal or request a stay.
Step 4 — Execution and Move-Out: If judgment is entered for the landlord and the tenant does not appeal, the landlord may obtain a writ of execution from the court after 10 days. Only a sheriff or constable may physically remove a tenant pursuant to a writ of execution — the landlord cannot do so personally.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14, it is unlawful for a landlord to attempt to force a tenant out by changing the locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings. A tenant subjected to self-help eviction may sue for actual damages or up to three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees.
Just Cause Eviction: Medway has no just cause eviction requirement. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies without stating a reason, provided proper notice is given. (Note: Boston enacted a Just Cause Eviction ordinance in 2024, but it does not apply to Medway.)
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are subject to change, and local enforcement practices may vary. The information on this page reflects our understanding of Massachusetts law as of April 2026, but laws may have changed since publication. Renters with specific legal questions or disputes should consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and no attorney-client relationship is created by use of this site.
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Use the Address Checker →We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.