Is there a grace period for paying rent in Massachusetts?
Yes. In Massachusetts, a lease may not impose any interest or penalty for late rent until 30 days after the rent was due. This is M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(c).
| What | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| No late fee before | 30 days |
| Who it protects | Every residential tenancy |
Source
M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(c) — last checked 2026-09-16.
This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.
How Seayora uses this rule
Seayora charges only the late fee written into the lease, after the grace period the lease sets, and adds no late fee of its own. This page states the statutory ceiling and waiting period so the terms of a lease can be checked against them before it is signed.
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The same question in other states
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Maine
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas