Massachusetts tenant rights state that when a tenant moves into a rental property, a landlord can only legally collect the first and last monthﾒs rent, one monthﾒs security deposit, and any fees needed to purchase and install a lock and key. A landlord is required to pay interest on both the security deposit and the last monthﾒs rent, and a tenant is entitled to either 5% interest or whatever lesser amount is received from the bank. Massachusetts laws prohibit discrimination in rental housing on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, military background or service, sex, sexual preference, marital status, and disability. Massachusetts tenant rights also protect tenants against unlawful rental increases. If a tenant has a lease, rent may not be increased by the landlord until the lease term expires. The right to live in a safe and habitable space is also ensured under Massachusetts law. A landlord must keep a rental unit free from vermin and pests, and rental units must comply with building codes and other health and safety regulations. A tenant in Massachusetts has the right under some circumstances to withhold or deduct a portion of the rent if a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs.