Tenant Rights in Quincy, Massachusetts

Last updated: April 2026

Quincy renters are covered by Massachusetts state law, including strict security deposit limits, habitability standards under the Sanitary Code, 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 Quincy 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 Quincy

Quincy is a coastal city in Norfolk County south of Boston, with a growing rental market. The city has no local rent control or just cause eviction ordinance, and Massachusetts state law provides the primary tenant protections. South Coastal Counties Legal Services can assist income-qualifying renters with housing matters.

2. Does Quincy Have Rent Control?

Quincy has no rent control. The statewide ban passed in 1994 ended all such programs in Massachusetts, and Quincy has not enacted 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 Quincy

Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Quincy 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 Quincy 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 Quincy

Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Quincy 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 must be returned 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 Quincy

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

6. Resources for Quincy Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Quincy have rent control?

No. Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994, and Quincy 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 Quincy?

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 Quincy?

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 Quincy?

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 Quincy?

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 Quincy?

Report violations to the Quincy 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 South Coastal Counties Legal Services for free help.

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

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