Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Re: documentation

I am aware of no law that gives a Landlord the right to ask for birth certificates. Having said that I am not aware of a law specifically prohibiting same, his request for information must be reasonably related to the terms of the lease and proof of your ability to pay. A birth certificate is not necessary for either.

I would not provide a copy of my birth certificate to any landlord in part due to identity theft issues.