Top 3 Household Items Landlords Aren’t Required to Give to Tenants

Updated October 8, 2026: This article now reflects the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code revised in 2023. Earlier statements that refrigerators and window screens are always optional have been corrected. General information only; ask your local board of health or Massachusetts housing attorney about your property.

Blinds, a tenant’s shower curtain and an in-unit washing machine are generally different from required kitchen facilities. Before deciding what to include, check the rental agreement, property-specific requirements and who installed each item.

Three household items to discuss before move-in

1. Blinds and curtains

Decorative window coverings are not the same as required window screens. Record any blinds or curtain hardware included with the apartment and inspect their condition at turnover. If you supply them, address safety and repair questions rather than assuming the word “optional” removes every responsibility.

2. A shower curtain

A tenant’s removable shower curtain is a personal household item. That does not make the bathtub, shower, plumbing or required ventilation optional. Clarify what curtain hardware or shower enclosure is supplied, and report leaks promptly so water does not damage the floor or walls.

3. An in-unit washing machine

The code distinguishes owner-installed optional equipment from required facilities. Under 105 CMR 410.235, owners must maintain their installed optional equipment, including washers, dryers and dishwashers. Do not assume an “as-is” lease clause eliminates that duty.

At move-in, document whether laundry equipment belongs to the owner or tenant, where it may be connected and how to report a leak. Shared laundry arrangements also need clear instructions. See our practical guide to installing shared laundry.

Are Massachusetts landlords required to provide a refrigerator?

Generally yes, with a written-agreement exception. Current 105 CMR 410.100 requires an owner-provided refrigerator/freezer with at least 11 cubic feet combined storage, except to the extent a written rental agreement requires the occupant to provide and maintain it. The conventional cooktop/oven requirement has a similar exception. A blanket statement that refrigerators or ovens are never required is inaccurate.

Are window screens optional?

No. Section 410.540 requires properly fitted screens on exterior openable windows from April 1 through October 31. It also sets requirements for qualifying exterior screen doors. Window blinds and insect screens serve different purposes.

Read the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s current State Sanitary Code, especially sections 410.100, 410.235, 410.240 and 410.540. The Town of Grafton’s copy of the 2023 code is an additional government-hosted reference.

Set clear expectations without waiving required protections

1. List supplied appliances and household items in the move-in record.
2. Check written responsibilities against current law before signing.
3. Photograph condition and record serial numbers for major appliances.
4. Give tenants a clear repair-reporting path and arrange safe access.
5. Ask counsel before charging a disputed fee or deducting money from a security deposit.

GOPM can coordinate leasing, maintenance and owner reporting through its rental property management service. Review management pricing or request a proposal for your rental.

Original video: historical context

The video below predates the 2023 sanitary-code revision. Use the updated written refrigerator and screen guidance above when assessing current Massachusetts requirements.