Landlord Basics

Landlord Basics: All of Our Landlording 101 Articles

Our Landlording 101 basics articles are designed to give you an overview of important topics related to rental housing in Massachusetts. They're designed with new landlords, or rental housing providers looking for a quick knowledge brush up, in mind. More in-depth reading is often linked within an article, or referenced as a related article.

New articles are added monthly.

Coming August 2026: Renting to Roommates

Landlord Basics: Rental Assistance in Massachusetts

Posted on June 24th, 2026

A cartoon image shows a triple decker house to the right. On the left, text reads: “Do you take… Section 8? MRVP? RAFT? The only answer is ‘yes.’”

Rental assistance can take many forms, from Section 8 or mobile vouchers to emergency rental aid like RAFT. These are the basics for Massachusetts landlords.

Landlord Basics: The Eviction Process in Massachusetts

First Published May 28th, 2026 | Updated June 5th, 2026

A cartoon image shows two triple decker houses side by side. The one on the right has an “eviction” notice on the front door. A red van in a driveway out front reads “Speedy Locksmiths,” and at the edge of the lawn are a dresser, couch, fish bowl, lamp, laundry basket and dead plant, along with a sign that reads “free stuff.”

Eviction in Massachusetts can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s what landlords need to know.

Landlord Basics: The Security Deposit in Massachusetts

First Published November 25th, 2025 | Updated April 27th, 2026

A high-level summary of security deposit law in Massachusetts, with references for further reading.

Landlord Basics: The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code

Posted on April 23rd, 2026

A collage image on a blue background has cartoon-style images of various landlord responsibilities. They include: an icon of someone washing their hands over a sink with running water, a thermometer with a sun on one side and a snowflake on the other, a periodic table symbol for lead beneath a red circle with a slash, a cockroach under a similar circle, and a mouse with a red “x” over it, a refrigerator with a green checkmark over it, and a blue icon with a ringing phone and text bubble for communication.

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410, outlines the minimum standards for rental housing. Here’s what you need to know.

Landlord Basics: Move-In Money for Massachusetts Rentals

First Published March 10th, 2026 | Updated April 6th, 2026

An informational table with two columns, labeled “lawful” and “unlawful.” On the “lawful” side are first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit and lock and key cost. On the “unlawful side” are hold fee, application fee, your broker’s fee and pet deposit.

What funds can landlords collect at the start of tenancy in Massachusetts? Find out what the law says.

Landlord Basics: Heating and Cooling Rentals with Heat Pumps

Posted on February 17th, 2026

An electric Mitsubishi heat pump is installed under a window of a house with green siding.

Heat pumps are becoming more popular for heating and cooling rental units. Here’s what you need to know.

Landlord Basics: Housing Discrimination Law in Massachusetts

Posted on January 26th, 2026

An aerial photograph of a densely settled neighborhood has a text box overlay that reads: 2 BR for rent. Two lines are crossed out: “Near Synagogue” and “Steps to Baptist church.” One line is not crossed out: “0.25 mile to high school.”

Discrimination laws are important, but easy to comply with if you screen all applicants, regardless of protected class, equally.

Landlord Basics: Lead Paint Laws in Massachusetts

Posted on December 26th, 2025

An antique full-color trade card features an image of a large white house with vibrant red roof and green shutters. The text reads “Suggestion for house painting with National Lead Company’s Brands of Pure White Lead and Tinting Colors.” A color guide for the house reads as follows. Body: white. Trim: white. Roof: No. 122. Blinds: Light bronze green. The image is attributed to Armstrong & Co., Boston, in small font at the bottom of the card.

A basic introduction to Massachusetts lead paint laws for landlords, including deleading tax credits.