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.
Read moreMassachusetts 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 moreFAQ: 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…
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