Massachusetts Tenant Harassment Laws
Massachusetts has strong protections against landlord harassment through its quiet enjoyment statute (ch.
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Key Rules
- Anti Harassment
- Strong quiet enjoyment statute; anti-retaliation protections
- Penalties
- Up to 3 months' rent (or actual damages) plus attorney fees for quiet enjoyment violations
- Retaliation Prohibited
- Yes — within 6 months of protected activity presumed retaliatory
- Utility Shutoffs
- Landlord who shuts off utilities to force eviction is liable under ch. 186, § 14
Applicable Statutes
Retaliatory eviction prohibited: landlord may not evict or threaten to evict, raise rent, or reduce services in retaliation for tenant exercising legal rights. Presumption of retaliation arises within 6 months of protected activity.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 14
Violation of quiet enjoyment: landlord who directly or indirectly interferes with tenant's quiet enjoyment of the premises is liable for up to three months' rent or actual damages (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees.
Legal Aid Resources
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