Can a Massachusetts landlord charge a trash fee?
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 if disclosed. A required trash fee belongs inside the advertised Total Price.
How to show it
Because every tenant must pay it, it goes inside the advertised Total Price, not on top of the rent. Example wording:
Total Price $2,125/month for a 12-month lease: rent $2,100 plus the required $25 trash fee.
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 · Last month's rent · 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 · Utility charge
Frequently asked questions
Can a Massachusetts landlord charge a trash fee?
Yes, if disclosed. Allowed if disclosed. A required trash fee belongs inside the advertised Total Price.
Does a trash fee have to be in the Massachusetts Total Price?
Yes, if every tenant must pay it. Required fees go inside the Total Price shown in the ad.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with a Massachusetts attorney.