Market overview
AvalonBay and Equity dominate the new-construction high-rise market. Most older triple-deckers are owned by independent landlords. Massachusetts is one of the most tenant-friendly states for deposit handling.
Top neighborhoods
- Seaport: Newest inventory. Premium prices.
- Allston: Student-heavy; many small landlords.
- Cambridge: Mix of large operators and older buildings.
Tenant law cheat sheet
Massachusetts: deposit capped at one month's rent. Must be held in a separate interest-bearing account; tenant gets a written receipt and statement of condition.