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 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 moreMassachusetts Home Contractor Problems? 5 Red Flags to Look For to Avoid Being Scammed.
Don’t let your dream home become the nightmare on your street. Attorney Shivick reviews M.G.L. c.142A and provides you with 5 red flags to help you identify and protect yourself from predatory residential contractors in Massachusetts.
Read moreTop 5 Mistakes Tenants Make With Their Landlord
1. What Did You Sign? The most common mistake most tenants in Massachusetts make is foregoing legal representation during eviction cases. The most common effect and pitfall there is signing an Agreement for Judgment in negotiation or mediation that signs away all the tenants’ rights – often giving up tens of thousands in compensation because the…
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