Mass. Gen. Laws » Part II Title I Chapter 186
Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 16 (2026)

Leases or rental agreements restricting occupancy of children

✓ current as of July 2026
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Section 16. Any provision of a lease or other rental agreement relating to real property whereby a lessee or tenant enters into a covenant, agreement or contract, by the use of any words whatsoever, the effect of which is to terminate, or to provide that the lessor or landlord may terminate, such lease or agreement if the tenant has or shall have a child or children, who shall occupy the premises covered by such lease or agreement, shall be deemed to be against public policy and void.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 1984–2005 · leading case: Scofield v. Berman & Sons, Inc., 469 N.E.2d 805 (Mass. 1984).
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Scofield v. Berman & Sons, Inc., 469 N.E.2d 805 (Mass. 1984). · cites it 2× “[19] The judge correctly applied the version of G.L.c. 186, § 16, prior to its 1978 amendment.”
Zimbovsky v. Tokar, 2005 Mass. App. Div. 100 (Mass. Dist. Ct., App. Div. 2005). · cites it 4× “93A argument is that she was entitled to statutory damages, attorney’s fees and costs for the Landlord’s violation of G.L.c. 186, §16. We agree. Section 16 provides Any provision of a lease or other rental agreement relating to real property whereby a .”
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