Thinking about renting with a pet in Massachusetts? Understanding Massachusetts pet rent laws is the key to avoiding excessive charges. These rules explain how much landlords can charge, what fees are legal, and how service or emotional support animals are protected. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, LeaseRunner’s guide breaks it all down clearly - helping you stay compliant, protect your rights, and rent with confidence. Dive in to learn exactly what’s allowed in 2025.
Overview of Pet Rent Laws in Massachusetts
Understanding how Massachusetts pet rent laws work is important for both landlords and tenants. Below is a simple breakdown of what’s currently allowed, the legal background, and what new bills could mean for renters in 2025.
Is Pet Rent Legal in Massachusetts?
Yes. Pet rent is legal in Massachusetts when it’s included as part of the monthly rent. The 2021 case Flemming v. Greystar Management Services, L.P. confirmed that landlords can charge pet rent, but they cannot ask for an extra pet deposit.
Under G.L. c.186, §15B, landlords are limited to collecting only:
- First month’s rent
- Last month’s rent
- One month’s security deposit
- Lock change cost
Any other upfront pet-related fee would break the rent laws. For those asking “is pet rent legal in Massachusetts?” or “can landlords charge pet rent in Massachusetts?”, the answer is yes, but only as part of rent, not a separate charge.
This approach follows the state’s pet-friendly rental laws in Massachusetts, which balance tenant rights and landlord protection.
Current Legal Status (2025 Update)
As of 2025, there are no new Massachusetts rental laws banning pet rent. The Flemming decision and the security deposit cap still apply.
Key points to remember:
- Pet rent must be part of the monthly rent, not a separate fee.
- Pet deposits are not allowed if they exceed the one-month rent limit.
- Service animals and emotional support animals are fully protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and ADA. Landlords cannot charge pet rent or deposits for them.
If you’re searching for pet rent rules in Massachusetts or updates on new Massachusetts rental laws 2025, note that no major changes have been made. Compliance depends mainly on how rent agreements are written.
Proposed Legislation in Massachusetts
There is no current bill that changes Massachusetts pet rent laws. However, several proposals, such as H.1037, H.1038, and S.595, focus on improving fairness for pet owners and removing breed-based restrictions.
These proposed bills on pets and rentals aim to:
- Prevent insurance bias against specific dog breeds
- Support equal rental access for pet owners
- Encourage consistent pet-friendly rental laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts remains one of the more balanced landlord-friendly states. While it protects property owners’ rights, it also enforces strict compliance with Rent laws and tenant protections. Both landlords and renters should review lease agreements carefully to ensure compliance with all Massachusetts pet rent laws.
Charges, Deposits & Statewide Limits in Massachusetts
Renting with pets in Massachusetts comes with clear rules. The state sets limits on deposits, pet rent, and extra fees. Knowing these details helps both landlords and tenants follow Massachusetts pet rent laws and avoid legal issues.
Security deposit caps
Massachusetts Security Deposit Laws set a clear security deposit limit for rentals. Landlords can only collect up to one month’s rent as a security deposit. This one-month cap deposit includes:
- First month’s rent
- Last month’s rent
- Security deposit (equal to one month’s rent)
- Lock change fee, if applicable
Some landlords may try to add extra charges like “pet rental fees” when signing a lease. However, under Massachusetts pet rent laws, these upfront payments are not allowed because the security deposit already covers potential damages. Tenants should stay alert, know their rights, and confidently remind landlords that such additional pet fees are illegal.
Rules on pet rent charges
Under Massachusetts pet rent laws, landlords can legally charge monthly pet rent in Massachusetts instead of collecting an additional deposit. This means:
- The pet rent must be part of the monthly lease payment.
- It cannot be collected upfront or treated as a separate deposit.
The court case Flemming v. Greystar Management confirmed that pet rent is lawful when it’s treated as part of the regular monthly lease payment for keeping a pet. However, since pet rent counts toward the total monthly rent, landlords must ensure any increase—including the pet rent portion—complies with local and state Rent Control Laws.
These regulations limit how much rent can be raised in certain areas. Always list pet-related charges clearly in the lease to avoid confusion about pet fee vs. deposit under Massachusetts pet rent laws.
Non-refundable pet fees
Massachusetts prohibits non-refundable pet fees in Massachusetts arrangements. Landlords cannot charge extra, one-time payments that are not returned. Doing so would go against the laws, which require all deposits to be refundable.
To stay compliant:
- Avoid charging any non-refundable pet fee or “pet deposit.”
- Instead, include pet-related costs in the monthly pet rent in Massachusetts.
This practice ensures clarity about what’s refundable and protects tenants from unfair charges. It also helps confirm when pet deposits refundable conditions apply under Massachusetts law.
City-specific rules
Massachusetts applies its rent control laws and pet deposit limits consistently across all cities. There are no local differences in Boston, Cambridge, or Worcester when it comes to monthly pet rent or non-refundable pet fee policies.
Still, tenants should check local ordinances for any updates on housing standards or animal rules. Statewide, the same core limits apply to all landlords under Massachusetts pet rent laws.
Pets, Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals
Under Massachusetts pet rent laws, pets are not the same as assistance animals. Landlords can charge regular pet rent, but they cannot ask for a pet deposit for emotional support animal or any fee beyond the legal limits. State rules only allow first and last month’s rent, one security deposit, and a lock-change fee.
A service animal, as described by the service animal definition housing Massachusetts, is trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort but does not require training. Landlords must allow these animals in housing and cannot refuse tenancy or charge additional fees for them.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in Massachusetts
Under the ESA definition of FHA, an emotional support animal helps a person with a disability by providing comfort. ESAs are protected under both federal and Massachusetts law emotional support animal regulations.
- Landlords cannot deny housing or charge pet fees for verified ESAs.
- Tenants may need to provide a letter from a licensed professional to confirm their need.
- The ESA laws in Massachusetts ensure equal access to housing and protection from discrimination.
When Pet Rent and Fees Cannot Be Charged
Even though Massachusetts pet rent laws allow pet rent for normal pets, special rules apply to assistance animals such as ESAs and service animals. Landlords must not charge extra rent, deposits, or cleaning fees for these animals. This falls under reasonable accommodation for pets, which protects tenants with disabilities.
Landlords are also required to make accommodations and cannot deny assistance animals under fair housing laws.
- A pet fee is non-refundable and used for regular pets.
- A pet deposit may be refundable, but cannot be applied to ESAs.
Tenants are responsible only for actual damage caused by the animal.
Documentation & Verification Rules
Landlords can request limited proof through a verification process assistance animal, but only if the disability or need is not obvious. They cannot demand medical records or detailed diagnoses.
Key points:
- Only reasonable documentation can be requested.
- Proof may include a letter from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Both parties should communicate clearly to follow pet rent laws and the ESA definition of FHA standards.
Rights and Responsibilities for Landlord and Tenants
Both landlords and tenants in Massachusetts have clear duties when it comes to renting with pets. Understanding Massachusetts pet rent laws helps prevent disputes and keeps rental agreements fair for both sides.
Landlord obligations under Massachusetts law
Landlords must follow strict rules about what they can charge and how they handle deposits. Under landlord obligations pet regulations, they are required to keep rental practices fair, lawful, and transparent.
Extra or hidden fees, like a pet security deposit, are not allowed. A landlord cannot do any of the following:
- Charge a separate pet deposit or a non-refundable pet fee
- Refuse a tenant because they have a service or emotional support animal
- Ignore notice requirements security deposit laws or delay refund payments
Landlords must also follow non-discrimination housing Massachusetts regulations. Tenants with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation, meaning they can live with a service or emotional support animal without paying extra pet rent.
At the end of tenancy, landlords must return the security deposit (plus interest) within 30 days. They must include an itemized list if any amount is withheld. If they fail to do so, they can face penalties under Eviction Laws and Notice to Quit Laws.
Tenant rights and responsibilities
Tenants have the right to live in a safe, clean, and lawful space. Under Massachusetts pet rent laws, a landlord may raise the rent slightly for tenants with pets, but this must be clearly stated in the lease.
Tenants must:
- Take care of the property and prevent their pets from causing damage or noise
- Inform the landlord about any issues that could affect the unit
- Follow all pet rules written in the lease agreement
If a renter ignores these rules, the landlord may start an eviction process. However, you can get evicted for dog sitting in Massachusetts, depending on whether the activity violates the lease.
Renters are also encouraged to consider pet liability insurance for renters. This insurance helps cover any damage or injury caused by their pets. Some properties also enforce dog breed restrictions in Massachusetts, so tenants should check their lease and local laws before moving in.
Handling pet-related damages and deductions
When moving out, landlords may deduct repair costs for damages that go beyond normal wear and tear. Examples include:
- Chewed or scratched walls and doors
- Torn carpets or stained floors
Minor marks or slight wear are not deductible. The landlord must share an itemized list of all deductions and return the remaining deposit within 30 days.
If tenants disagree with the deductions, they can request proof or file a small claims case. Clear communication and photos from both sides can help resolve disputes quickly.
For monthly pet rent, landlords must treat it as part of regular rent, not as a deposit. It’s non-refundable and cannot be used to cover repair costs.
By following Massachusetts pet rent laws, both landlords and tenants can avoid conflicts and ensure fairness. Understanding each side’s obligations, deposit limits, and notice to quit laws keeps every rental relationship compliant and stress-free.
Best Practices to Prevent Disputes for Landlords
Renting to pet owners can work well if rules are clear. To avoid problems, landlords should follow Massachusetts pet rent laws, keep good records, and talk openly with tenants. The tips below help prevent conflicts and make pet-friendly rentals easier to manage.
1. Clear pet terms in the lease
Write simple and clear pet terms in the lease. State if pets are allowed, what kinds are okay, and whether pet rent will be added. A clear lease clause pets Massachusetts helps both sides understand the rules. Under pet rent laws, landlords cannot charge a separate pet deposit but may ask for higher rent to cover extra wear and tear.
Attach a pet addendum template for Massachusetts to explain pet care and behavior rules. Ask for proof of vaccinations and make sure the tenant agrees to clean up after their pet. You can look at a pet policy lease sample to make sure your terms follow the law. Note that service and emotional support animals are always exempt from extra fees.
2. Document the property condition before and after tenancy
Before move-in, inspect the unit and take pictures. This is called a move-in inspection pets Massachusetts. Focus on floors, doors, and walls—places pets might damage. Ask the tenant to sign the inspection form.
When the tenant moves out, do a move-out walkthrough pets check. Compare the current condition with your earlier photos and notes. This shows what changed during the tenancy and helps avoid arguments.
Quick tips:
- Take clear photos or short videos.
- Keep copies of all inspection forms.
- Share results with the tenant.
This process gives proof if repairs are needed and helps you stay within Massachusetts pet rent laws.
3. Communicate pet expectations early
Talk about pet rules before the tenant moves in. During the tenant background screening, landlords can set clear pet criteria and verify the applicant’s documents to ensure the pet meets lease requirements.
Using an online rental application makes this process faster and paperless—saving time while keeping everything secure. Platforms like Lease Runner offer trusted digital tools that let landlords collect applicant details, screen tenants, and manage the entire rental process safely and efficiently.
Discuss simple points such as:
- Cleaning up pet waste
- Preventing loud barking or scratching
- Using leashes in shared areas
Go over the pet addendum template for Massachusetts together. Clear and early communication prevents confusion later and helps both sides follow pet rent laws.
4. Keep transparent records of fees
Be open about money matters. List pet-related costs separately from rent. Make sure the pet rent amount is written clearly in the lease and never treated as a deposit. Give receipts for all payments and store them safely.
Good practice:
- Keep rent records in a notebook or online file.
- Note all payments linked to pets.
- Save messages about fees or rule changes.
If a tenant leaves items behind, follow the Abandoned Property Laws in Massachusetts. This ensures you handle everything correctly and legally.
By following these steps—clear pet terms, simple inspections, early talks, and transparent records—landlords can protect their property, follow Massachusetts pet rent laws, and keep rental relationships fair and stress-free.
Conclusions
Navigating Massachusetts pet rent laws doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right lease terms and clear understanding of what’s legal, both landlords and tenants can enjoy a smooth, pet-friendly rental experience. Remember, staying compliant protects your property and your peace of mind. If you’re drafting or updating your rental agreements, explore professional lease templates and legal guidance at LeaseRunner to make sure your lease meets every Massachusetts regulation.
FAQs
What is the new pet rent law in Massachusetts?
Landlords in Massachusetts can charge extra monthly rent for tenants with pets. This fee is allowed under Massachusetts pet rent laws, but it cannot be collected as a separate deposit. The law only allows landlords to take the first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and lock change costs.
What is the maximum amount a landlord can charge for pet rent in Massachusetts?
There is no fixed limit on pet rent in Massachusetts. The extra amount must be part of the regular monthly rent, not an added deposit. However, the total security deposit cannot go over one month’s rent. Any extra charges must be written clearly in the lease.
Can a landlord break a lease for pets in Massachusetts?
A landlord can end a lease if the tenant breaks pet rules, such as keeping an unauthorized animal or causing property damage. But landlords cannot break a lease or evict a tenant for having a service or emotional support animal. These animals are protected by state and federal laws.
Can I get evicted for pet sitting in Massachusetts?
Yes, if pet sitting breaks the lease terms. For example, keeping pets that are not allowed, creating noise, or causing damage can lead to eviction. However, short pet sitting that follows all lease rules and does not cause problems usually will not result in eviction.
