For Landlords

The law requires checking for pets

In 2018, a law passed in Massachusetts that requires landlords to check vacant properties for the presence of abandoned animals. The law also clarifies when animals are abandoned.

This provision requires a landlord, owner, or assignee who knew or should have known that a property was vacated through foreclosure, termination of tenancy, abandonment or other removal or exclusion of a tenant to check the property within three days. If they encounter an animal, they must immediately notify the police or animal control officer. Read the text of the law.

The benefits of allowing pets in housing

You can have a pet-friendly policy that works for tenants with pets, tenants without pets, and management alike. See model guidelines for pet-friendly housing (.pdf) and/or email us at advocacy@mspca.org for ideas to create pet-friendly housing that works for everyone.

People with disabilities and pets have laws that protect them in housing

Read about assistance animals in housing on our website.