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Tewksbury is a town of roughly 32,000 residents in Middlesex County, located about 25 miles northwest of Boston along I-93. Its proximity to Lowell and the greater Boston metro area has made it an increasingly attractive rental market, with a significant share of households renting single-family homes, condos, and apartment units. Renters in Tewksbury most commonly search for information about security deposit rules, what notice a landlord must give before eviction, and what to do when a landlord refuses to make repairs.
Tewksbury has no local tenant protection ordinances beyond what Massachusetts state law provides. However, state law itself is notably strong — Massachusetts imposes strict security deposit requirements, a robust sanitary code enforced by local boards of health, and meaningful anti-retaliation protections. Understanding these statewide rights is essential for every Tewksbury renter.
This page summarizes tenant rights in Tewksbury based on Massachusetts law as of April 2026. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; if you face an eviction or dispute with your landlord, contact a licensed attorney or a legal aid organization serving Middlesex County.
Tewksbury has no rent control, and Massachusetts state law currently does not authorize or require it. In November 1994, Massachusetts voters approved a statewide ballot initiative (Question 9) that repealed all existing local rent control ordinances — including those in Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline — and prohibited cities and towns from enacting new ones. That ban remained in effect until August 2020, when the Legislature passed Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020, which removed the statutory prohibition and theoretically permitted municipalities to adopt rent stabilization ordinances again.
However, as of April 2026, no Massachusetts municipality — including Tewksbury — has enacted a new rent control or rent stabilization ordinance under the 2020 law. This means there is no limit on how much a Tewksbury landlord can raise rent, no required notice period before a rent increase takes effect (beyond whatever notice is needed to terminate or modify a tenancy), and no registration or approval process for rent increases. Landlords are free to set rents at market rate and to raise them at the end of a lease term or rental period.
In practice, Tewksbury renters on month-to-month tenancies should be aware that a landlord seeking to raise rent must first terminate the existing tenancy with proper notice (at least 30 days under M.G.L. c. 186, § 12) and offer a new tenancy at the higher rate. A landlord cannot simply demand a mid-lease rent increase unless the lease specifically permits it.
Massachusetts provides several significant statewide protections for renters in Tewksbury:
Security Deposit Rules (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B): Landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than one month's rent. 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 receipt. The landlord must pay the tenant annual interest on the deposit. These requirements are strictly enforced — failure to comply can forfeit the landlord's right to retain any portion of the deposit.
Habitability & Repairs (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; 105 CMR 410): Every rental unit in Massachusetts must comply with the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410), which sets minimum standards for heat (at least 68°F from September 16 through June 14), hot water, structural soundness, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and freedom from pests and moisture. If a landlord fails to maintain conditions, tenants may report violations to the Tewksbury Board of Health. In cases of serious violations, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct up to four months' rent, or terminate the lease (M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L).
Notice to Terminate (M.G.L. c. 186, § 12): For month-to-month tenancies, either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to terminate, and the notice must expire at the end of a rental period. Fixed-term leases end on their stated date without additional notice, unless the parties agree otherwise.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (M.G.L. c. 186, § 18): Landlords are prohibited from raising rent, reducing services, or initiating eviction proceedings in retaliation for a tenant reporting housing code violations, contacting the Board of Health, organizing with other tenants, or exercising any other legal right. If a landlord takes adverse action within six months of a tenant's protected activity, the law presumes the action is retaliatory. Tenants who successfully prove retaliation may recover up to three months' rent or actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees.
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (M.G.L. c. 186, § 14): A landlord may not remove a tenant's belongings, change the locks, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out without going through the court eviction process. Unlawful interference with a tenant's quiet enjoyment entitles the tenant to up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees.
Discrimination Prohibition (M.G.L. c. 151B): Massachusetts law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, familial status, marital status, age, ancestry, source of income (including Section 8 vouchers), and several other categories. Complaints may be filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
Massachusetts has some of the strictest security deposit laws in the country, and they apply fully to Tewksbury rentals under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B.
Maximum Amount: A landlord in Tewksbury may not collect a security deposit exceeding one month's rent. Any amount collected above that limit must be returned immediately. Landlords may also collect first and last month's rent and a key deposit (not to exceed the cost of replacing the key), but these are separate from the security deposit cap.
Separate Account Requirement: The deposit must be deposited in a separate, interest-bearing account at a Massachusetts bank within 30 days. The landlord must provide the tenant with written notice of the bank's name, address, and account number. Interest accrues at the rate the bank pays or 5% per year, whichever is less, and must be paid to the tenant annually or credited toward rent.
Itemized Statement & Return Deadline: The landlord must return the security deposit — along with any accrued interest — within 30 days after the tenant vacates. If the landlord withholds any portion, they must simultaneously provide a written, itemized statement of deductions. Allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and certain unpaid real estate taxes (if the lease requires the tenant to pay them).
Penalties for Non-Compliance: If a landlord fails to return the deposit on time, fails to provide the required bank notice, commingles the deposit with other funds, or wrongfully withholds any portion, the tenant is entitled to treble (three times) the deposit amount plus interest, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(7). Courts in Massachusetts enforce these penalties strictly, and landlords who violate even procedural requirements risk losing the right to retain any part of the deposit.
Landlords in Tewksbury must follow Massachusetts state law to evict a tenant. Self-help eviction — locking a tenant out, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14 and can expose a landlord to significant damages.
Step 1 — Notice to Quit: Before filing in court, the 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, the landlord may file a Summary Process (eviction) complaint at the Lowell District Court, which has jurisdiction over Tewksbury. The tenant will receive a Summons and Complaint specifying the hearing date. Tenants should respond in writing (an Answer) and raise any defenses — such as habitability problems, retaliation, or improper notice — before or at the hearing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: At the hearing, both parties may present evidence and witnesses. If the judge rules in the landlord's favor, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant then has a brief period (typically 10 days) to appeal or request a stay of execution before a move-out order (Execution) is issued.
Step 4 — Execution & Constable: Only a constable or sheriff may enforce a court-ordered eviction by physically removing a tenant. The landlord cannot do this personally or hire movers without a court order.
No Just Cause Requirement: Tewksbury has no just cause eviction ordinance. Landlords may decline to renew a lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy for any lawful reason (or no stated reason), as long as proper notice is given. However, evictions motivated by retaliation or discrimination remain illegal under M.G.L. c. 186, § 18 and M.G.L. c. 151B, respectively.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws and local ordinances can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not represent any individual. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or any other housing legal matter, you should consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization serving Middlesex County. Always verify current statutes and local rules directly with official sources or a legal professional before taking action.
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