Newton is a prosperous city in Middlesex County immediately west of Boston, with a highly competitive rental market. The city has no local rent control or just cause eviction ordinance. Massachusetts state law provides the primary tenant protections for Newton renters, including strict security deposit rules, habitability standards, and retaliation protections. Greater Boston Legal Services can assist income-qualifying tenants.
Newton has no rent control. Massachusetts voters banned it statewide in 1994, and Newton has not enacted a new ordinance under the 2020 law (Chapter 358) that permits cities to do so. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.
Massachusetts state law provides these key protections for Newton renters:
Broker fees (effective August 1, 2025): A residential rental broker's fee must be paid by the party who hired the broker — typically the landlord. A landlord or property manager may not require a tenant to pay the landlord's broker fee or disguise it as rent. A tenant improperly charged a broker fee can recover up to three times the amount plus attorney's fees (new M.G.L. c. 112, § 87DDD½, enforced through M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B and c. 93A). See the Mass.gov broker's-fee FAQ.
Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, Newton landlords may not collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit. The funds must be held in a separate, interest-bearing bank account, and you must receive written notice of the institution 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.
Newton 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 files Summary Process in Middlesex County Housing Court. Self-help eviction is prohibited under M.G.L. c. 186, § 14.
Eviction record sealing (effective May 5, 2025): Under the Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024, amending M.G.L. c. 239), tenants may petition the court to seal certain eviction records. Cases dismissed or decided in the tenant's favor are sealed on petition without a hearing; no-fault cases and satisfied non-payment judgments may be sealed under specified conditions; and fault cases may be sealed after seven years. Consumer reporting agencies may not report sealed eviction records. See Mass.gov eviction sealing.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Newton and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
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