Redact Legal Massachusetts Residential Leases Forms For Free

If the lease expires without action or renewal, the tenant does not become a squatter. Under Massachusetts law, they become either a "tenant at will" or a "tenant at sufferance" . The difference is whether they have the landlord's permission to remain.

Tenancy at will The landlord or tenant can end a month-to-month tenancy-at-will by giving a written 30 days (minimum) notice to quit that must expire at the end of a rental period. Pay special attention if the notice to quit is given in February, which has less than 30 days.

If neither you nor your landlord gives the other notice, your lease continues or "extends" automatically for another year. If the original lease was not 1 year, it extends for the same amount of time as the original lease. If you have a self extending lease, the terms of your original lease stay the same.

The law requires tenants at will to give landlords written notice that they are moving out at least one full rental period or 30 days (whichever is longer) before moving. 10 This time period starts to run from the time your landlord receives the notice, not from the time you send it.

Yes, someone can live with the tenant without being on the lease.

A Tenant at Will is one who occupies a rented apartment without a lease, but pays rent periodically (typically monthly). Either the landlord or the tenant may terminate this arrangement at any time by giving written notice of 30 days or one full rental period in advance, whichever is longer. No reason is required.