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Repair and Deduct: How to Legally Withhold Rent for Repairs in Massachusetts

Under 1 min read
•July 24, 2026
THE BOTTOM LINE

MA tenants can repair a certified code violation and deduct the cost from rent (up to 4 months') after giving written notice and waiting 5–14 days — skip a step and the protection is lost.

WHO NEEDS THIS

MA tenants facing an unfixed, certified habitability violation.

KEY INSIGHTS
  • •Violation must be certified by a board of health, code agency, or court
  • •Landlord gets 5 days to start, 14 to substantially complete repairs
  • •Deduction capped at 4 months' rent in any 12-month period
  • •Separate defense (c. 239 §8A) lets you raise violations if sued for nonpayment
DO THIS NEXT

Get a board-of-health inspection and written certification before spending anything on repairs.

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