Tenant Rights in Somerville, Massachusetts

Last updated: April 2026

Somerville renters benefit from Massachusetts state tenant protections, including a strict security deposit cap, habitability standards, and retaliation protections. There is no local rent control in Somerville.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No rent control. Massachusetts banned it statewide in 1994 and Somerville 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: Greater Boston Legal Services (gbls.org), Somerville Community Corporation (somervillecdc.org), Massachusetts Legal Help (masslegalhelp.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Somerville

Somerville is a densely populated city in Middlesex County bordering Cambridge and Boston, with one of the highest rental rates in Massachusetts. While the city has active tenant advocacy organizations, there is no local rent control or just cause eviction ordinance as of 2026. State law governs the key tenant protections. The Somerville Community Corporation and Greater Boston Legal Services provide community support and legal help for renters.

2. Does Somerville Have Rent Control?

Somerville has no rent control. The 1994 statewide ballot initiative ended all Massachusetts rent control programs, and Somerville has not enacted 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 Somerville

Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Somerville 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, expiring at end of a rental period.
  • Repairs and Habitability (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Landlords must comply with the Sanitary Code. Tenants may report violations to the Somerville Inspectional Services Division.
  • 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 Somerville

Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Somerville 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 Somerville

Somerville landlords must serve proper written notice before filing for eviction: 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 vacate, the landlord must file Summary Process in Middlesex County Housing Court. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or property removal — is prohibited under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14.

6. Resources for Somerville Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Somerville have rent control?

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

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

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

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 Somerville?

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 Somerville?

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 Somerville?

Report violations to the Somerville Inspectional Services Division. Under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L, serious habitability conditions may allow you to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate your lease. Contact Greater Boston Legal Services for free help.

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

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