Massachusetts Rental Application Overview
Massachusetts is one of the most tenant-protective states for rental applications. Application fees are effectively banned, criminal history use is restricted, source of income discrimination is prohibited, and the state has extremely broad fair housing protections. Landlords are limited to collecting first, last, security deposit, and lock change cost.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 15B strictly limits the charges that a landlord can collect from a prospective tenant to: first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and the cost of a new lock and key. Application fees are effectively prohibited under this law. Landlords cannot charge for credit checks, background checks, or processing fees separately from these permitted charges.
No application fee a
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
Significant restrict
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Massachusetts Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 15B strictly limits the charges that a landlord can collect from a prospective tenant to: first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and the cost of a new lock and key. Application fees are effectively prohibited under this law. Landlords cannot charge for credit checks, background checks, or processing fees separately from these permitted charges.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Massachusetts has strong criminal history protections for housing applicants. The state's CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) reform law limits how criminal records can be used in housing decisions. Landlords cannot use sealed or expunged records and should conduct individualized assessments. The lookback period for certain offenses is limited.
Credit Check Requirements
Massachusetts landlords can run credit checks with written consent, but they cannot charge the applicant separately for the credit check. The cost must come from the landlord's own funds, not passed to the applicant. Adverse action notices are required under the FCRA.
Fair Housing Protections
Massachusetts provides some of the strongest fair housing protections in the country. The state's anti-discrimination law (Chapter 151B) adds sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, source of income, age, ancestry, genetic information, military status, and veteran status to the list of protected classes. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) enforces these protections.
Source of Income Protection
Massachusetts prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Landlords cannot reject applicants solely because their income comes from Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability benefits, child support, alimony, or other lawful income sources. Violations can result in fair housing complaints and penalties.
Massachusetts Screening Criteria
Massachusetts landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Massachusetts state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Massachusetts landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Massachusetts's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Massachusetts Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Massachusetts rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Massachusetts-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Massachusetts data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Massachusetts landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Massachusetts landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Massachusetts does not allow application fees. Your landlord cannot charge you for processing or screening.
Massachusetts Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Massachusetts. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Prohibited (only lock change fee allowed) |
| Credit Check | Landlord's expense |
| Background Check | Landlord's expense |
| Refundable? | N/A — no fee charged |
Sample Massachusetts Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Massachusetts-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Massachusetts law.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Massachusetts Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Massachusetts state law...
Massachusetts Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Massachusetts.
Official Massachusetts Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Massachusetts tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
Fair housing enforcement and discrimination complaints
Mass Legal Help — Tenants
Free tenant rights information and legal resources
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Massachusetts Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Massachusetts? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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