Difficulties With Local Board of Health? Try Putting It In Writing…

Trouble with the local inspector? Take pictures of everything, then try this… Massachusetts tenants have approached me complaining that their dwelling has violations of the State Sanitary Code, codified at 105 CMR 410.000. Maybe you have had the same problems. Sometimes I run into the rogue Board of Health Agent that seemingly will not conduct an…

Read more

Massachusetts Residential Security Deposit Law (3x Deposit) – M.G.L. c.186 s.15B

When moving into an apartment or rental in Massachusetts, the landlord is limited to charging a First Month’s Rent, Last Month’s Rent, Security Deposit, and a one-time reasonable lock and key charge. That’s it and the Last and Security cannot exceed the monthly rent. The Massachusetts Security Deposit Law is renowned for its triple-damages clause…

Read more

FAQ: Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Questions Answered

Q: What is a Summary Process case?  A: It’s the same thing as an eviction case in Massachusetts. It’s the only way to get a tenant out in Massachusetts. Self help evictions are illegal. Q; What is a Notice to Quit?  A: A notice to quit is a carryover from English common law – which…

Read more