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Retaliation Is Illegal: How Massachusetts Protects Tenants Who Speak Up

Under 1 min read
•July 31, 2026
THE BOTTOM LINE

MA law presumes retaliation if a landlord raises rent, terminates, or changes lease terms within 6 months of a tenant's protected activity — the landlord must then disprove it.

WHO NEEDS THIS

Any MA tenant who reported a problem and then faced a rent increase or termination notice.

KEY INSIGHTS
  • •Protected activities include code complaints, inspections, tenants' union activity, and discrimination complaints
  • •6-month presumption shifts the burden of proof to the landlord
  • •Damages: greater of 1-3 months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees
  • •Retaliation is also a full defense to an eviction case (c. 239 §2A)
DO THIS NEXT

Document the date of any complaint you make and compare it against any later rent increase or notice.

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