Tenant guide
How renting a home with Chelworths works
Nine steps from your first search to moving on, with what we do, what we need from you and your rights as a Massachusetts renter along the way.
The process
From your first search to moving on
Each step shows what we do, what we need from you and, where it applies, the Massachusetts rule behind it.
- 1
Finding a home
Tell us what you are looking for
Register with us once. We note your areas, budget, bedrooms and move date, and contact you when a home that fits becomes available, often before it is advertised anywhere else.
Register for new homesWhat we do
- Your search details go straight to our leasing team
- A call or email when a matching home comes up
What you do
- Tell us where you want to live, your budget and when you want to move
- 2
Finding a home
Browse the homes available now
Every home we have to rent is on our listings page, with photos, a full description, the rent, the deposit, the pet policy and the date it is available.
What we do
- Photos and full details for every home
- Answers to any question about a home
What you do
- Shortlist the homes that suit you
- Check the commute, parking and laundry
Massachusetts: since August 1, 2025 a broker fee is paid by whoever hired the broker. Our landlords engage us, so you pay no broker fee to rent through Chelworths.
See available homes - 3
Finding a home
View the home
Request a viewing and our team will show you around at a time that works for you. Bring your questions. We would rather you know exactly what you are renting before you apply.
What we do
- Viewings arranged around your schedule
- Straight answers on heat, utilities, parking and pets
What you do
- Come to the viewing with your questions
- Check which utilities you would pay for
- 4
Applying
Apply online
Complete your application online through our rental system. It asks about your income, your rental history and anyone else who will be on the lease.
What we do
- Every application reviewed against the same written criteria
- Updates at every step
What you do
- Complete the application
- Have your ID, proof of income and landlord references ready
Massachusetts: there is no application fee. We accept all lawful sources of income, including housing vouchers and rental assistance, and assess every applicant the same way.
- 5
Applying
Approval and your lease
Once your application is approved we send the lease for you to sign online. It sets out the rent, the term, what is included and any pet terms, so there are no surprises later.
What we do
- A clear Massachusetts lease
- The disclosures the law requires, sent with the lease
What you do
- Read the lease and ask us anything
- Sign online
Massachusetts: for homes built before 1978 you receive the Tenant Lead Law Notification before you sign. If a child under six will live there, the home must be deleaded or under interim control, and a landlord cannot refuse to rent to a family because of lead paint.
- 6
Moving in
Pay your move-in funds
Before you collect the keys you pay the move-in funds set out in your lease. You get a receipt for everything you pay.
What we do
- A receipt for every payment
- Your security deposit held in a separate account, with a receipt showing where it is held
What you do
- Pay by the date in your lease
- Set up renters insurance, which every lease requires
Massachusetts: at the start of a tenancy a landlord may only collect first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit of no more than one month’s rent and the cost of a new lock and key. There is no pet deposit, though some homes charge a monthly pet rent set out in the lease.
- 7
Moving in
Move-in day
We hand over the keys, walk you through the home and give you a statement of its condition. Check it carefully, because it is the benchmark when you move out.
What we do
- Keys and a walk-through of the home
- A statement of condition
- An invitation to your tenant portal
What you do
- Set up utilities in your name where you pay them
- Check the statement of condition and add anything missing
Massachusetts: you receive the statement of condition within 10 days of the tenancy starting or of paying the deposit, whichever is later. You then have 15 days to return it with anything you think is missing.
- 8
Living there
Rent, repairs and support
Pay your rent online, set up autopay and report repairs through your tenant portal, where you can follow each request to completion. Emergencies go to our 24/7 line.
What we do
- A 24/7 line for emergencies
- Repairs booked with trusted local contractors
- 24 hours’ notice before we visit, except in an emergency
What you do
- Pay rent on time
- Report problems early, before they get worse
Massachusetts: where the landlord provides heat, homes must be kept at 68°F or more from 7am to 11pm and 64°F overnight between September 15 and June 15. A late fee cannot be charged until rent is 30 days late.
- 9
Moving on
Renewal or moving out
Before your lease ends we contact you about renewing. If you decide to leave, give notice as your lease sets out and we inspect the home against the statement of condition.
What we do
- Contact about renewal in good time
- A move-out inspection
- Your deposit returned, with any deductions itemized in writing
What you do
- Give notice as your lease requires
- Leave the home clean, return the keys and give us a forwarding address
Massachusetts: your security deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenancy ending, less any lawful deductions set out in an itemized list.
Before you apply
What to have ready
Having these to hand means your application moves faster. Tick them off as you go.
Renting in Massachusetts
Six things every Massachusetts renter should know
We follow all of these as standard. They are worth knowing wherever you rent.
Move-in costs
Four charges, and no others
First month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit of up to one month’s rent and the cost of a new lock and key. No application fees, pet deposits or cleaning fees.
Broker fees
Paid by whoever hired the broker
Since August 1, 2025, you do not pay a broker fee for a broker the landlord engaged.
Security deposits
Held separately, returned on time
Kept in a separate account, with a receipt and a statement of condition, and returned within 30 days of the tenancy ending, less any itemized deductions.
Heat and repairs
The State Sanitary Code
Heat, hot water, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, safe wiring and a home free of pests are the landlord’s responsibility.
Lead paint
Homes built before 1978
You receive the Tenant Lead Law Notification before signing. A landlord cannot refuse to rent to a family because of lead paint.
Late fees
Not before 30 days
A late fee cannot be charged until rent is 30 days late. Paying on time through the portal avoids it altogether.
This is a summary for guidance, not legal advice. Rules change and some towns add their own requirements.
Questions renters ask
Do I pay a broker fee?
No. Since August 1, 2025 a broker fee in Massachusetts is paid by whoever hired the broker. Our landlords engage us, so you pay no broker fee to rent a home through Chelworths.
Is there an application fee?
No. We cover the cost of screening applications, so applying is free.
Do you accept housing vouchers?
Yes. We accept all lawful sources of income, including housing vouchers and rental assistance, and assess every application the same way.
Can I have a pet?
It depends on the home, and each listing shows its pet policy. There is never a pet deposit, though some homes charge a monthly pet rent set out in the lease. Assistance animals are not pets and do not carry pet rent.
How do I pay rent and request repairs?
Through your tenant portal. You can pay online, set up autopay, and log repair requests with photos, then follow them to completion. For emergencies, call our 24/7 line.
What happens to my security deposit?
It is held in a separate account and you receive a receipt showing where it is held. When you move out it is returned within 30 days, less any lawful deductions itemized in writing.
Find your next home
See the homes we have available now, or register and we will contact you when one that fits comes up.