Last updated: April 2026
Springfield renters rely on Massachusetts state law for their core protections, including strict security deposit rules, habitability standards, and anti-retaliation provisions. There is no local rent control.
Want to check your specific address? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.
Springfield is the largest city in Western Massachusetts and the seat of Hampden County. Like the rest of Massachusetts outside Boston, Springfield has no local rent control or just cause eviction ordinance. However, state law gives Springfield renters strong protections on security deposits, habitability, and retaliation. Free legal aid is available through Community Legal Aid and Valley Legal Services for eligible tenants.
Springfield has no rent control. The statewide ban passed by voters in 1994 ended all Massachusetts rent control programs, and no Springfield ordinance has been enacted under the 2020 law (Chapter 358) that restored local authority to enact rent stabilization. Landlords in Springfield may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Springfield renters:
Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Springfield landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit. The deposit must be kept in a separate, interest-bearing bank account, and the landlord must notify you in writing of the bank and account number within 30 days of receiving the deposit. When you move out, the landlord must return the full deposit plus interest within 30 days, or provide a written itemized statement of deductions. Landlords who fail to follow these rules risk owing you the full deposit amount plus up to three times any wrongfully withheld portion, plus attorney's fees.
Evictions in Springfield follow the standard Massachusetts process. The landlord must first serve proper written notice: a 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment of rent, or a 30-day notice for a month-to-month tenancy termination or lease violation. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord must file a Summary Process action in Housing Court. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings — is prohibited under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14 and may expose the landlord to liability for up to three months' rent or actual damages.
No. Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994, and Springfield has not enacted any new ordinance. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no limit. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). Fixed-term lease rents cannot increase until the lease ends.
30 days from move-out, with an itemized written statement of any deductions (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B). Failure to comply may result in the landlord owing treble damages.
14 days for nonpayment of rent; 30 days for other terminations or lease violations (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12). After notice, the landlord must file a Summary Process action in Housing Court.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14. The landlord can be liable for up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees.
Report violations to the Springfield Board of Health. Depending on severity, M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L may allow you to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate your lease. Contact Community Legal Aid for free advice.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Springfield and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Learn about tenant rights in other Massachusetts cities:
Home | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
© RentCheckMe. All rights reserved. Design: HTML5 UP.