Massachusetts Notice to enter
How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Massachusetts?
A residential lease may let the landlord enter only to inspect, make repairs or show the unit; the landlord may also enter under a court order, if the unit appears abandoned, or in the last 30 days of the tenancy to inspect for damage. Statute text: "No lease relating to residential real property shall contain a provision that a lessor may, except to inspect the premises, to make repairs thereto or to show the same to a prospective tenant, purchaser, mortgagee or its agents, enter the premises before the termination date of such lease" (Mass. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a)).
Verified Source: Mass. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) · last checked 2026-10-16
How this works in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts residential lease may let the landlord enter only to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit. The landlord may also enter under a court order, if the unit appears abandoned, or in the last 30 days of the tenancy to inspect for damage. Under Mass. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a), no residential lease may contain a provision that the lessor may enter before the termination date, except to inspect the premises, to make repairs, or to show the unit to a prospective tenant, purchaser, mortgagee or its agents. The statute does not set a notice period.
Worked example for Massachusetts
Example: Your residential lease lets you enter to inspect the unit, and you inspect it on June 12, 2026. That purpose is one the statute allows a lease to provide for. You may also enter under a court order, if the unit appears abandoned, or in the last 30 days of the tenancy to inspect for damage. The statute does not set a notice period for that entry.
Massachusetts timelines and limits
| What a lease may allow | Entry to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit to a prospective tenant, purchaser, mortgagee or its agents |
|---|---|
| Other allowed entry | Under a court order, if the unit appears abandoned, or in the last 30 days of the tenancy to inspect for damage |
| Notice period | None set in Mass. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) |
Massachusetts FAQ
Does Massachusetts set a notice period before a landlord enters?
No. Mass. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) does not set a notice period. It limits what a residential lease may provide about entry.
When may a lease allow the landlord to enter?
To inspect the premises, to make repairs, or to show the unit to a prospective tenant, purchaser, mortgagee or its agents.
When else may the landlord enter?
Under a court order, if the unit appears abandoned, or in the last 30 days of the tenancy to inspect for damage.
Sources for this section: Mass. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) (checked 2026-10-16)
Same topic in neighboring states
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