Landlord Entering Without Notice in Boston: What Are My Rights?
Massachusetts law protects your right to quiet enjoyment of your home. If your landlord interferes with your right to quiet enjoyment, they can owe you money in court. This page lists your rights and what you can do.
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Your landlord must not interfere with your quiet enjoyment of your home. Entering without your permission can break this rule.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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Your lease cannot say your landlord may enter before the lease ends. The lease can allow entry only to inspect, to make repairs, or to show the home to a possible renter, buyer, or lender.
✓ Sources checked September 21, 2026
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Your landlord must not try to take back your home by force. They have to go to court. Your landlord can enter if they have a court order allowing it.
✓ Sources checked September 21, 2026
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Your landlord may enter if it looks like you have moved out and left the home empty.
✓ Sources checked September 21, 2026
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If your landlord breaks this rule, you can take them to court. If the court rules in your favor your landlord can owe you your actual losses or 3 months rent, whichever is more. For example, if your rent is $500 per month, three months’ rent is $1,500. You may be awarded either $1,500 or the amount of your actual losses, whichever is more. Your landlord must also pay your court costs and lawyer fees.
✓ Sources checked September 21, 2026
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You can subtract what your landlord owes you from the rent you owe them. For example, if your landlord owes you $1,500 and your rent is $500 a month, you can use that $1,500 to cover three months of rent. If the court later rules in your landlord’s favor, you will have to pay that rent back.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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You can also ask a court to order your landlord to stop.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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Your landlord cannot punish you for reporting them or taking them to court over this. This is called retaliation.
✓ Sources checked September 21, 2026
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If your lease says you give up this right, a court will not enforce it.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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