Massachusetts Rent Control Law (first) is adopted.

Officially Chapter 797, it is adopted by Massachusetts legislature and signed by Gov. Frank Sargent. The law permits rent control in buildings with six or more units, establishes a state-wide rent control law that cities and towns may adopt, and authorizes cities with populations of more than 50,000 to enact their own rent control ordinances if they choose. Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Springfield subsequently choose this option. When the legislation subsequently expires, Boston, Brookline and Cambridge continue rent control through special authorizing legislation. Rent control is abolished in Massachusetts in 1994.*