Discrimination & Tenant's Rights
When is it discrimination?
Housing discrimination is illegal in Massachusetts. It is against the law to refuse housing to any individual on the basis of age, blindness, children, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or receipt of public assistance. The City of Cambridge has added to that list color, disability, sexual orientation, family status, military status, or source of income.
What you can do about discrimination?
Housing discrimination is illegal in Massachusetts. If you feel you have been refused housing because of discrimination, you can find support among the legal resources below. To discourage others from renting from this landlord, you can share your experiences with Tasha Coppett, Assistant Director of the MIT Off-Campus Housing Service, (617) 253-4449, W59-200.
When a landlord says “No students!”
Generations of young people fond of loud music and late-night parties have made some landlords wary of renting to students. Unfortunately, it is not illegal to discriminate against students because of their age, nor is it illegal to refuse to rent to students in general. Moreover, in the City of Boston, no more than four undergraduate students may legally live in a dwelling.
Your legal rights as a tenant
To learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, visit these pages: