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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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…

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Eviction Case: Timeline In Massachusetts

The Massachusetts tenant has a right to an eviction case per case law and M.G.L. c.186 and c.239, except for rare circumstances like a police raid – covered instead by M.G.L. c.139 s.19. Merely changing the locks or using other “self-help” means for eviction will likely result in the tenant winning money from the landlord and…

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