Under the Massachusetts Fair Housing Law, M.G.L. c. 151B, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person based on their national origin. Asking a prospective tenant about their place of birth is considered a discriminatory inquiry because it is directly related to national origin and ancestry, which are protected classes. This information is not relevant to an applicant's qualifications as a tenant, such as their ability to pay rent or abide by a lease. Such questions can be used to unlawfully screen out applicants and are therefore prohibited.

B. Income: Landlords are permitted to inquire about the amount and source of income to verify a tenant's financial ability to pay rent.

C. Occupation: Asking about a prospective tenant's occupation is a standard and lawful practice used to verify employment and income stability.

D. Criminal history: While Massachusetts law places strict limitations on what and when a landlord can ask about criminal history, it is not an entirely prohibited topic of inquiry.

1. Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Housing Discrimination Guidelines. The guidelines explicitly state that it is unlawful to ask questions about a person's ancestry or national origin. Inquiries about "birthplace of applicant or applicant's parents, spouse or other close relatives" are listed as evidence of discrimination. (Accessed via mass.gov, MCAD official publications).

2. General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 151B, Section 4. This statute outlines unlawful practices. Specifically, subsection 6 prohibits making any inquiry or record concerning a protected class, including national origin, in connection with the rental of housing. Asking about place of birth is considered an inquiry into national origin.

3. Suffolk University Law School, Housing Discrimination Testing Program. Fair Housing Law in Massachusetts. Course materials and program publications explain that inquiries into characteristics that are proxies for protected classes, such as asking for a birthplace instead of national origin, are considered discriminatory and illegal under M.G.L. c. 151B.