Tenants in Massachusetts have a right to organize. It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you by trying to evict you, sending you a rent increase notice, or sending you a notice of any substantial changes in the terms of your lease or tenancy because you have attended a tenants meeting, joined a tenants group, or because you are organizing a tenants group.¹

Despite the fact that it is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for organizing, it happens. For this reason, as you take on the work of bringing tenants together, the best way to protect yourself is by knowing your rights, putting all significant communication to the landlord in writing, and documenting what is happening. It is also important to get help. For more information about retaliation, see Evictions.