Cal. Civ. Code § 2
Purpose
Operative Text
Section 2. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a uniform statewide policy that broadly prohibits any regulatory scheme based upon or implementing rent control, except where, following an initial six month period, compliance with such a scheme is voluntary and uncoerced on the part of property owners. Even when voluntary, rent control should be severely restricted in scope. This policy is based on the belief that the public is best served by free market rental rates for residential properties and by unrestricted home ownership. The terms of this chapter shall be liberally construed to effect this purpose.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 2 establishes a statewide policy that broadly prohibits local governments from creating or enforcing mandatory rent control programs for residential properties. After an initial six-month period, any rent-related regulatory scheme may only continue if property owners participate on a genuinely voluntary and uncoerced basis, and even then its scope must be kept narrow. The provision reflects a legislative judgment that free-market rental rates and unrestricted home ownership best serve the public, and it directs courts and agencies to interpret the chapter broadly in service of that goal.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 2, Massachusetts has declared a uniform statewide policy against mandatory rent control, which generally means local ordinances or regulations cannot compel property owners to cap rents. Compliant operators in Massachusetts typically set rental rates according to market conditions without being subject to local price controls. Where any voluntary program exists, operators generally confirm that participation is genuinely uncoerced and that the program's scope aligns with the strict limitations the statute contemplates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 2 reflects a state policy that largely prevents cities and towns in Massachusetts from enacting mandatory rent control, which affects the range of tenant protections available at the local level. Tenants who believe a local ordinance may conflict with this provision, or who have questions about what rental-rate protections exist in their area, can consult a local tenant-rights organization or a housing advocacy group for general information. If a specific local program is at issue, tenants may also inquire with their municipality's housing office about whether any voluntary programs are in effect and what rights, if any, those programs extend.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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