According to the 34-page Massachusetts Sanitary Code, landlords must meet minimum standards of habitability.
New tenants often know their rent and due date, but few are aware of their entitlements in exchange for rent.
The Massachusetts Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410.000) outlines the minimum standards for:
Tenants have the right to request their landlord to remedy any non-compliance within a reasonable time frame.
No specific quote available in the text.
Author's summary: Massachusetts renters have rights under the Sanitary Code.