Housing Court Tier 1 Status Conference: What You Need to Know

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…

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What 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….

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Top 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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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…

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