Can a Massachusetts landlord charge a last month's rent?
For Massachusetts residential rentals, under the Attorney General fee regulation (940 CMR 38.00, since September 2, 2025) and M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B.
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against 940 CMR 38.00 and M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B and the sources below · How we check facts
Yes, if disclosed
Allowed if it is disclosed before the lease. Required fees go inside the advertised Total Price.
What the law says
Allowed upfront, at the same rate as the monthly rent. Interest rules apply.
The rules for last month's rent
- It can be collected at or before move-in, at the same rate as the monthly rent.
- Give the tenant a receipt.
- Pay interest each year, at 5% or the lower rate a bank paid if you keep it in a bank. Unlike a deposit, it does not have to sit in a separate account.
- If the rent goes up later, the landlord may ask for the difference only as the law allows. Get advice before asking for more.
How to show it
Disclose it before the lease, with what it is for and its amount. If tenants can avoid it, say how. Example wording:
Last month's rent: $2,100, due at signing, at the same rate as the monthly rent. Interest is paid each year as the law requires.
For renters
If a required fee was not part of the Total Price you were shown, it cannot be charged later. Ask the landlord about it in writing. Massachusetts renter guide.
Check every fee at once and get the price to advertise: Total Price calculator.
Other Massachusetts fees
Amenity fee · Application fee · Broker fee · Cleaning fee · Fee that was not disclosed · Holding or reservation fee · Late fee · Lock change fee · Move-in or administrative fee · Optional fee · Parking fee · Payment processing fee · Pet deposit or upfront pet fee · Pet rent · Security deposit · Trash fee · Utility charge
Frequently asked questions
Can a Massachusetts landlord charge a last month's rent?
Yes, if disclosed. Allowed upfront, at the same rate as the monthly rent. Interest rules apply.
Does a last month's rent have to be in the Massachusetts Total Price?
Only if every tenant must pay it. Optional or conditional charges are disclosed separately, with how to avoid them.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with a Massachusetts attorney.