Leaving A Lease Early
G.L. c. 186, § 24 — a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking may end a tenancy on written notice
A tenant or co-tenant may end a rental agreement or tenancy and move out on written notice to the owner that a member of the household is a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking, if the notice is given within 3 months of the most recent act, or if a household member is reasonably in fear of imminent serious physical harm from it. The household then moves out within 3 months of the notice, or the notice is void.
When the rent stops. The tenant is discharged from liability for rent for 30 days or 1 full rental period after moving out, whichever is later, and is refunded any prepaid rent beyond that. The statement of what is kept from the security deposit, with any refund, comes within 30 days after the tenancy ends and every occupant has given up possession. Other tenants on the lease stay bound.
The owner may ask for proof, satisfied by any 1 of these: a valid protection order, a court or law enforcement record of the act with the perpetrator's name if known, or a written verification from a qualified third party the victim reported it to, with an adult victim's statement under penalty of perjury. The owner keeps the documents confidential unless the victim authorizes release in writing or a court order or regulation requires it.
An owner may not refuse to rent to an applicant, and a housing subsidy provider may not deny assistance, because the applicant ended a tenancy this way or asked for the locks to be changed. A lease waiving these rights is void.
Changing the locks. On request of a tenant or household member who reasonably believes they are under imminent threat at the premises, the owner within 2 business days makes a good faith effort to change the locks or gives permission to change them, and may charge a reasonable fee. If the owner does not, the tenant may change them, in a workmanlike manner with locks of similar or better quality. An owner who blocks the change, or fails to make a good faith effort to give a key, is liable for actual and consequential damages or 3 months' rent, whichever is greater, with attorneys' fees.
Where the threat comes from someone on the lease, the owner may deny that person a key on a protective order or a court or police record. The housing, district, superior and Boston municipal courts can restrain violations of these sections.
Sources for this section (5)
- G.L. c. 186, § 24 — Ending a tenancy as a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking
- G.L. c. 186, § 25 — No refusal of a rental or assistance for ending a tenancy or asking for new locks
- G.L. c. 186, § 26 — Changing the locks for a tenant under imminent threat
- G.L. c. 186, § 27 — Courts that can restrain violations; protective orders to vacate
- G.L. c. 186, § 28 — Waivers void
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.