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Raynham is a town of approximately 15,000 residents in Bristol County, southeastern Massachusetts. Though smaller than nearby Taunton and Brockton, Raynham has a notable renter population that relies on Massachusetts state law for housing protections, since the town has enacted no local tenant ordinances of its own. Renters here most commonly search for guidance on security deposit disputes, how much notice a landlord must give before eviction, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs.
Massachusetts is widely regarded as one of the most tenant-protective states in the nation. State law caps security deposits at one month's rent, mandates interest-bearing accounts, requires itemized return statements, and imposes treble damages for violations. The state's sanitary code (105 CMR 410) sets enforceable minimum habitability standards for every rental unit in Raynham, and anti-retaliation protections are among the strongest in the country.
This guide explains how those protections apply specifically to Raynham renters. All information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may change; consult a qualified attorney or legal aid organization for guidance on your individual situation.
Raynham has no rent control, and none is permitted under current practice. Massachusetts voters approved a statewide ballot initiative (Question 9) in November 1994 that prohibited rent control in every city and town in the Commonwealth. As a result, Cambridge, Boston, and Brookline — the last three jurisdictions with active rent control — were forced to immediately end their programs.
In 2020, the Massachusetts Legislature passed Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020, which repealed the statutory ban and gave cities and towns the legal authority to enact local rent stabilization ordinances again. However, as of April 2026, no Massachusetts municipality — including Raynham — has enacted a new rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. This means your landlord can increase your rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or, for month-to-month tenants, with proper advance written notice.
In practical terms, Raynham renters have no cap on rent increases. A landlord wishing to raise rent on a month-to-month tenant must provide at least 30 days' written notice under M.G.L. c. 186, § 12, but there is no limit on the size of the increase itself. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected for the duration of their lease, but rent can change upon renewal.
Although Raynham has no local ordinances, Massachusetts state law provides robust tenant protections that apply in full force to every rental unit in town.
Security Deposits (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B): 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 in Massachusetts, and the tenant must receive written notice of the bank name and account number within 30 days of receiving the deposit. Landlords must return the deposit — with accrued interest — within 30 days after the tenancy ends, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Failure to comply can entitle the tenant to treble (triple) damages plus attorney's fees.
Habitability & Repairs (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Every rental unit in Raynham must meet the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code. Landlords are legally required to maintain heat (at least 68°F from September 16 through June 14), hot water, working plumbing, structurally sound conditions, and freedom from pests and moisture. Tenants who discover code violations may report them to the Raynham Board of Health. If conditions are serious and the landlord fails to repair after notice, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct (up to four months' rent annually), or terminate the lease under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L.
Notice to Terminate (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12): A landlord wishing to end a month-to-month tenancy must give at least 30 days' written notice, and that notice must expire at the end of a rental period (e.g., the last day of the month). Tenants must give the same 30-day notice to their landlord. Fixed-term leases expire on their stated end date without additional notice unless the lease provides otherwise.
Anti-Retaliation (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18): A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, refuse to renew a lease, or begin eviction proceedings in response to a tenant exercising a legal right — such as reporting code violations, requesting repairs, organizing with other tenants, or contacting a government agency. If any of those adverse actions occur within six months of a protected act, the law presumes they are retaliatory. Tenants who prevail on a retaliation claim may recover up to three months' rent or actual damages (whichever is greater), plus attorney's fees and costs.
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (M.G.L. c. 186, § 14): It is illegal in Massachusetts for a landlord to remove a tenant's belongings, change the locks, remove doors or windows, or interfere with utilities in order to force a tenant out. A landlord who engages in self-help eviction is liable for the tenant's actual damages, plus up to three months' rent, plus attorney's fees. The only lawful way to remove a tenant is through the formal court eviction process.
Anti-Discrimination (M.G.L. c. 151B): Massachusetts prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, familial status, age, military status, marital status, and source of income (including Section 8 vouchers). Complaints may be filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) within 300 days of the discriminatory act.
Massachusetts has some of the strictest security deposit rules in the United States, and they apply fully to every landlord in Raynham under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B.
Maximum amount: A landlord may not collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of the monthly rent amount. Prepaid last month's rent, if collected, is separate and also capped at one month's rent.
Holding requirements: The deposit must be deposited in a separate, interest-bearing account at a Massachusetts bank within 30 days of receipt. The landlord must give the tenant written notice of the bank's name and address, the account number, and the amount deposited. Failure to do so can forfeit the landlord's right to keep any portion of the deposit.
Return deadline: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends (or after the tenant provides a forwarding address, whichever is later), the landlord must return the full deposit plus accrued interest, minus any lawful deductions. Any deductions must be accompanied by an itemized written statement and receipts or written estimates for repair costs.
Lawful deductions: Landlords may only deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or unpaid real estate taxes the tenant was obligated to pay under the lease. They may not deduct for ordinary cleaning or pre-existing damage.
Penalties for violations: If a landlord wrongfully withholds all or part of the deposit, fails to return it on time, fails to provide an itemized statement, or improperly holds it, the tenant may sue for treble damages (three times the amount wrongfully withheld), plus attorney's fees and court costs (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(7)). This is a powerful remedy — even a landlord who keeps only $200 improperly could owe $600 plus legal fees.
In Massachusetts, a landlord must follow a specific legal process to evict a tenant. There is no shortcut — self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14 and can expose a landlord to significant liability.
Step 1 — Notice to Quit: Before filing in court, a landlord must serve the tenant a written Notice to Quit. The required notice period depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Summary Process (Eviction) Complaint: If the tenant does not vacate after the notice period expires, the landlord may file a Summary Process complaint in the appropriate court — in Raynham, this is the Taunton District Court (Bristol County). The tenant is then served with a Summons and Complaint, and a hearing date is set.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before a judge. Tenants have the right to present defenses, including improper notice, retaliation, failure to maintain habitable conditions (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L), or a landlord's violation of security deposit laws (which can be used as a counterclaim). Legal representation is strongly recommended at this stage.
Step 4 — Judgment and Execution: If the court rules for the landlord, a written judgment is issued. The landlord must then wait at least 10 days and obtain an execution (a court order authorizing physical removal) before a sheriff or constable can enforce the eviction. A landlord cannot personally remove the tenant — only a licensed sheriff or constable may execute a removal.
Just Cause Eviction: Raynham has no just cause eviction ordinance. Unlike Boston, which enacted a Just Cause Eviction ordinance in 2024, Raynham landlords are not required to state a specific reason to decline to renew a lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy, as long as proper notice is given.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14, any landlord who attempts to remove a tenant without a court order — by changing locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off heat or electricity, or removing a tenant's belongings — is liable for the tenant's actual damages or three months' rent (whichever is greater), plus attorney's fees.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are complex and may change; the content here reflects the law as understood in April 2026 and may not reflect subsequent legislative or regulatory changes. Every situation is unique — if you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or any other housing problem, you should consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney or contact a legal aid organization in your area. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and no attorney-client relationship is created by reading or relying on this page.
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