Updated April 14, 2023
A Massachusetts rental application is part of the application process that tenants must undergo to be approved for tenancy. In Massachusetts, there is no requirement that an applicant must answer any question and can write “no contest.” The landlord cannot run a criminal background check and use such information against the applicant.
Laws
- Application Fee – A landlord cannot charge an application fee, regardless of whether or not it is refundable. However, in accordance with § 254 CMR 7.00(1), real estate brokers and agents are allowed to charge a rental application fee (Section 15B(1)(b)).
- Security Deposit – The amount of a security deposit cannot exceed the cost of one (1) month’s rent (Section 15B(1)(b)(iii)).
- No Contest – A potential tenant has the right to answer “no contest” as a response to any criminal history question on the rental application (Ch. 276 § 100A).