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.·Updated April 2026
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Key Takeaways
See whether Massachusetts permits rent control in Springfield below.
Learn Massachusetts's security deposit return rules and the penalties landlords face for breaking them.
Find the notice periods Massachusetts law requires before ending your tenancy.
See whether just-cause eviction protections apply to your tenancy in Springfield.
Learn what local ordinances supplement Massachusetts tenant law in Springfield.
Hampden County Legal Aid (hcla.org), Massachusetts Legal Help (masslegalhelp.org), Valley Legal Services
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Springfield
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.
2. Does Springfield Have Rent Control?
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.
3. Massachusetts State Tenant Protections That Apply in Springfield
Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Springfield renters:
Security Deposit (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B): Limited to one month's rent, held in a separate interest-bearing account, returned within 30 days of move-out 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 before ending a month-to-month tenancy, expiring at the end of a rental period.
Repairs and Habitability (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Landlords must maintain units per the state Sanitary Code. Tenants may report violations to the Springfield Board of Health and may withhold rent or repair-and-deduct for serious violations.
Retaliation Protection (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18): Landlords cannot evict or raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights. Adverse action within 6 months of a protected act is presumed retaliatory.
4. Security Deposit Rules in Springfield
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.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Springfield
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.
6. Resources for Springfield Tenants
Community Legal Aid — Free legal help for low-income tenants in Central and Western Massachusetts.
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.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
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.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Springfield?
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.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Springfield?
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.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Springfield?
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.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Springfield?
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.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Springfield?
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.
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