If you are a landlord bringing a summary process (eviction) case against a tenant in Massachusetts, the rules have changed. Previously, a landlord would send a Notice to Quit and, once it expired, would make legal “entry” to the apartment or tenement by serving and filing the Summons and Complaint with the local District or…
Read moreDoes a landlord have to comply with a rental assistance application in Massachusetts?
The answer is, probably, but it depends. MGL c. 151B s.4(10) states that it is illegal: “For any person furnishing credit, services or rental accommodations to discriminate against any individual who is a recipient of federal, state, or local public assistance, including medical assistance, or who is a tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing…
Read moreTransferring Your Case to Housing Court from District Court
Massachusetts law allows a landlord to file in District Court as well as Housing Court. This is because Housing Court is a relatively “new” court that was initiated in the 1970s and 80s. The result was that certain areas, like the upper and lower Cape, were not covered by Housing Court jurisdiction, leaving the District…
Read moreWhat is c.93A, the Consumer Protection Law?
The reasons for utilizing c.93A are obvious in a person-to-business consumer transaction: if the consumer sends a c.93A demand letter and the recipient does not respond within 30 days with a reasonable settlement offer, then the court could double or triple the amount of damages recovered by the claimant, plus costs and attorney’s fees. M.G.L….
Read moreWhat can a landlord charge a tenant to move into an apartment in Massachusetts?
Attorney Shivick has successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases against Massachusetts landlords over the last 10 years, and has a proven track record of collecting money judgments against small and large landlords.
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