Cal. Civ. Code § 3
Definition of rent control
Operative Text
Section 3. For purposes of this chapter, the words ''rent control'' shall mean: (a) any regulation that in any way requires below-market rents for residential properties; and (b) any regulation that is part of a regulatory scheme of rent control as defined in clause (a), including the regulation of occupancy, services, evictions, condominium conversion and the removal of properties from such rent control scheme; except that (c) this definition does not include the regulation of, or agreements affecting, publicly owned housing, publicly subsidized housing, federally assisted housing, or mobile homes.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 3 establishes what counts as 'rent control' under Chapter 40P, the Massachusetts law that prohibits municipalities from imposing such measures. The definition is intentionally broad, covering not only rules that directly cap rents below market rates but also any companion regulations—such as those governing occupancy, services, evictions, or condominium conversions—that form part of the same regulatory scheme. Importantly, the definition carves out publicly owned housing, publicly subsidized housing, federally assisted housing, and mobile homes, meaning those categories are not affected by Chapter 40P's prohibition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40P § 3, the scope of what constitutes prohibited rent control extends beyond simple rent caps to include the full web of regulations that typically accompany such schemes, such as eviction controls and condominium conversion restrictions. Operators of market-rate residential properties generally take note that no Massachusetts municipality may impose these types of controls on their units under Chapter 40P. Owners of publicly subsidized or federally assisted housing, however, operate under a separate regulatory framework that falls outside this definition entirely.
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 § 3 defines 'rent control' broadly for purposes of the state's ban on local rent regulation, which shapes what protections municipalities are currently permitted to offer market-rate renters in Massachusetts. Tenants living in publicly owned, publicly subsidized, or federally assisted housing are not affected by this definition, as those housing types are explicitly excluded from Chapter 40P's reach and may carry their own distinct regulatory protections. Renters seeking to understand how this definition affects their specific housing situation may find it useful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Massachusetts housing law.
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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