• Commonwealth law ensures renters the right to decent housing.state house massachusetts image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
  
  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides apartment renters with a number of rights. Laws exist with the purpose of preventing renters from being exploited by unscrupulous or predatory landlords. When moving into a new place or experiencing conflict with your present landlord it is important to know your rights. This will give you a firm leg to stand on, including knowing when to call the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
  
  

Fees

• Massachusetts rental laws only authorize state-licensed salesmen or real estate brokers to charge a "finder's fee" in regard to apartments. Before any transaction is made the renter must be informed of all fees, their purpose and the day on which they are due. Further, Massachusetts law specifies for what reasons a landlord may collect payments prior to move-in. Landlords may collect prepayments for first and last month's rent, a security deposit no greater than one month's rent and the cost of purchasing and installing new locks and cutting new keys. All other prepayments are prohibited by Commonwealth law.
  
  

Repairs

• Renters in Massachusetts have four main rights with regard to repairs. Landlords must keep all dwellings up to the state sanitary code, as well as local health ordinances. Further, landlords are required to maintain a habitable building that a renter can quietly enjoy. Habitability in Massachusetts means that by accepting a rent check your landlord agrees to maintain your entire apartment in good repair. There is no way for a landlord to invalidate such a clause. Quiet enjoyment refers to the responsibility of the landlord to provide you with all necessary utilities. If a landlord fails to meet his obligation to keep an apartment in good repair, renters have the option to withhold rent as well as to sue for damages.
  
  

Rent

• Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from charging interest or fees on rent until it is over 30 days late. Landlords may not engage in schemes known as "reverse penalties" that provide renters with discounts for paying rent before a certain day of the month. Still, landlords may begin eviction proceedings against a tenant who is even a day late in he rrental payments. Landlords may increase rent at any time they like, however "at-will" tenants must receive at least 30 days advance notice.
  
  

Unlawful Entry

• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts guarantees renters the right of privacy, even in places that they rent. Landlords may enter the premises only to make inspections or repairs, to display the apartment for a future tenant or buyer, if they believe the apartment to be abandoned or with a court order. Landlords must attempt to arrange a reasonable and convenient time to enter the premises. Renters may obtain restraining orders against landlords who violate these laws.
  
  

Discrimination

• Landlords my not discriminate by race, religion, sex, sexual preference, disability or age, among others.