Skip to main content

Can a Landlord Limit the Number of Names on a Lease?

Is it true that Massachusetts law allows no more than 3 unrelated people to sign a lease? My landlord refuses to allow a fourth person to sign the lease and will not tell me where she found this "law." We have 4 people interested in living at this apartment and 2 of them will not sign unless all 4 are on the lease.
-- (Posted by Rachael on the Forum Chat Room.)

(The following response was posted by Attorney Lisa Sigman of Wakefield.) Often this issue is controlled by the zoning laws in each city or town, therefore the specifics can vary. Worcester being a college town may have more lenient (or more strict) zoning regulations. But limiting the number of unrelated person living together is not unusual.

Call City Hall and ask to speak with someone dealing with this type of zoning regulations, or if they can direct you to the appropriate regulation. Ultimately, you may have to find a new apartment, or new roommates (it's understandable that your roommates don't want to let one person remain off the lease, because then she isn't liable if she defaults on her portion of the rent).


Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws

Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws

ForumLast post
I signed a 9 months lease with an Apartment in Springfield, MA and the lease term is from July/31/2010 through....
3/11/2010 13:12
by sarayoo
My husband has run up an extremely large (too big for us to ever pay back) credit card debt because he used th....
I have had several clients successfully file for bankruptcy and have t....
3/11/2010 06:34
by WonTon
I read an article recently about parent coordinators in the state of Vermont and was impressed by the concept.....
Yes, they are legal and used, but not as intertwined in the court syst....
3/10/2010 06:56
by Crabby
I have been employed in a medical facility for the past 9 years with excellent written reviews and letters ....
Thanks...Could you recommend an attorney in Massachusetts... I have a....
3/9/2010 16:22
by scottsman
I read the other post about the medical malpractice tribunals in Massachusetts but I'm curious about how the t....
The panel is comprised of a judge, a doctor, a lawyer and preside....
3/9/2010 05:53
by Wookie
I grew up in Massachusetts however now reside in the Carolinas. At Christmas time I was pulled over and was to....
I found this information on the Massachusetts Court System web site (D....
3/8/2010 09:49
by Anonymous
A year ago I bought a condo in MA and later discovered that the downstairs neighbor played loud music almost e....
I suppose . . . IF the problem was severe and if the broker knew about....
3/8/2010 06:58
by Anonymous
I know that's something you're supposed to ask a lawyer before you hire one (at least according to one of your....
No, there is no law that requires attorneys in Massachusetts (personal....
3/6/2010 06:02
by CharlesT
I "purchased" some clothing recently from a store in Boston and placed the items on lay away. I found the des....
First of all, thank you very much for the compliment.  It's nice ....
3/5/2010 10:21
by Anonymous
I've been advised by relatives that under Massachusetts law, the executor of a will is entitled to 1/3(one-thi....
No.  The short answer to the question is that there is no Ma....
3/2/2010 17:42
by massresident