Massachusetts Lease Renewal / Rent Increase Notice

Notice Date: [[Notice Date]]

Landlord / Property Manager: [[Landlord Full Name or Company]]
Mailing Address: [[Landlord Mailing Address, City, MA ZIP]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Tenant(s): [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
Current Premises: [[Rental Property Full Address, City, Massachusetts, ZIP Code]]

Current Lease: Dated [[Original Lease Date]] for term ending [[Current Lease Expiration Date]], -

This document provides written notice of lease renewal, non-renewal, or changes in terms (including rent increases) in accordance with Massachusetts law.

Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, for month-to-month tenancies, a landlord must give the tenant written notice of any rent increase or change in terms at least thirty (30) days before the change is to take effect. For fixed-term leases, the notice requirements are governed by the lease itself (commonly 30 to 60 days prior to expiration).

Massachusetts does not grant tenants a mandatory right of renewal. Renewal is by mutual written agreement of the parties. Security deposit rules under § 15B continue to apply upon any renewal or extension.

All variable inputs are expressed as `[[Token Name]]` placeholders. Fixed statutory requirements are written out in full.

1. Tenancy Type and Notice Period Determination

Current Tenancy Status: [[Month-to-Month / Fixed-Term Lease Ending [[Lease Expiration Date]] / At-Will]]

Applicable Notice Period:

• For month-to-month tenancy: Minimum thirty (30) days' written notice of any rent increase or other change in terms (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B).
• For fixed-term lease: Notice period as specified in the lease (commonly 30, 60 days). If lease is silent, parties should follow the 30-day minimum for safety.
• Notice must be given so that it expires on or before the end of the current rental period or lease term.

Notice Period Being Used for This Document: [[30 / 45 / 60 / Other]] days

Effective Date of New Terms / Renewal: [[Effective Date, must be after full notice period]]

2. Current Terms

3. Proposed New or Renewed Terms

Renewal Offer (check one):

( ) This is an offer to renew the tenancy for an additional [[Renewal Term Length, e.g. twelve (12) months]] on the terms below.

( ) This is notice of a change in terms for a month-to-month tenancy effective [[Effective Date]].

( ) This is notice of non-renewal. The tenancy will terminate on [[Termination Date]]. Tenant must vacate by that date. (No rent increase or new terms proposed.)

New Monthly Rent: $[[Proposed New Monthly Rent]] (increase of $[[Increase Amount]] or [[Percentage]]%)

Other Changes to Terms:

1. [[Describe change #1, e.g. "Parking space reassigned from #12 to #14 effective [[Date]]"]]

<blank line required between numbered items per spec>

2. [[Describe change #2 or "No other changes"]]

3. Security Deposit: Remains $[[Amount]] and continues to be held per M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B (interest-bearing account requirements apply on renewal).

All other terms of the existing lease remain in full force and effect except as expressly modified by this notice.

4. Rent Increase Timing and Limitations

For month-to-month tenancies, no rent increase or change in terms may take effect until at least thirty (30) days after proper written notice is served.

For fixed-term leases, any mid-term increase requires tenant consent or express lease language permitting it. Increases at renewal are governed by the lease notice provision.

Massachusetts does not have a statewide rent control statute that caps increases for most private market tenancies (local rent control or just-cause ordinances may apply in certain municipalities such as Boston or Cambridge, Landlord must check local rules).

Local Rent Control / Just Cause Check: [[None applicable / See attached local ordinance summary for [[City]]]]

5. Security Deposit on Renewal or Extension

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B:

• The security deposit may not exceed one month's rent.
• It must be deposited in a separate, interest-bearing account in a bank located within Massachusetts.
• Interest must be paid to the tenant each year at the rate of 5% or such lesser amount as the bank actually pays, at the election of the landlord.
• The landlord must provide the tenant with a receipt identifying the bank, the account number, and the amount of the deposit within 30 days of receipt (and upon any change).
• The deposit must be returned within 30 days after tenancy ends, with a sworn itemized statement of deductions.

On renewal, the existing deposit carries forward. No new deposit or increase in deposit is permitted beyond the one-month cap.

Current Deposit Bank: [[Bank Name and Address]]
Account Last 4 Digits: [[XXXX]]
Interest Election: [[5% / Actual Bank Rate]]

6. Tenant Response Options

Tenant may:

1. Accept the renewal or new terms by signing and returning a copy of this notice (or a new lease) by [[Acceptance Deadline, e.g. 10 days before effective date]].

2. Negotiate different terms by responding in writing by the deadline above.

3. Decline to renew and vacate by the termination date stated (if non-renewal) or by providing proper notice to terminate.

4. If the notice is for a rent increase or change on a month-to-month tenancy and is not accepted, the tenancy continues on the old terms only if the tenant remains and the landlord does not pursue termination.

Failure to respond does not automatically create a renewal on new terms. A new written agreement or signed acceptance is the safest practice for both parties.

7. Method of Delivery of This Notice

This notice is being delivered by:

( ) First-class mail
( ) Certified mail, return receipt requested
( ) In-hand delivery
( ) Email to [[Tenant Email]] (with read receipt if available)
( ) Other: [[Method]]

Landlord recommends using a method that provides proof of delivery.

8. Signature

Landlord / Authorized Agent:

_____________________________________________
[[Landlord Full Name or Company]]
Title: [[Title]]
Date: [[Notice Date]]

Acknowledgment of Receipt (optional for tenant to sign and return):

I acknowledge receipt of this notice on [[Date Received]].

_____________________________________________
[[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
Date: [[Date]], -

9. Sample Cover Letter Language (for attachment or separate mailing)

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]],

Enclosed please find the written notice of [[renewal / rent adjustment / non-renewal]] for the tenancy at the above address.

Please review the proposed terms carefully. If you wish to renew on the terms stated, please sign and return one copy of the attached acceptance page by [[Deadline]].

If you have questions or would like to discuss, please contact me promptly.

Sincerely,
[[Landlord Name]], -

10. Required Disclosures and Attachments

• Copy of current lease (if requested or not previously provided)
• Updated move-in condition statement (if deposit rules require re-inspection on renewal)
• Any local addenda required by ordinance
• Interest statement for security deposit (annual), -

Template, not professional legal advice. This is a sample notice for Massachusetts residential tenancies. Notice periods, rent increase rules, security deposit handling, and local ordinances must be verified against current M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B and any applicable city or town rules at the time of service. No mandatory renewal right exists. Renewal requires mutual agreement. Consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney or local housing resources. References current as of 2026.

Sources: M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B (security deposits and notice of changes); M.G.L. c. 186 § 12 (termination of periodic tenancies); standard Massachusetts lease renewal practices., -

(End of notice, additional pages for acceptance form or comparison table may be attached as needed.)