Have you been “Defamed” within the meaning of Massachusetts law? The answer depends on a number of factors. DEFAMATION is “[t]he taking from one’s reputation. The offense of injuring a person’s character, fame, or reputation by false and malicious statements. The term seems to be comprehensive of both libel and slander.” Thus, there are are…
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…
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…
Read moreShivick’s Appellate Work Has Lasting Consequences for Massachusetts Tenants
My firm shuts down the most unlawful businesses, including landlords and debt collectors, as shown below. Here, I argued in the Court of Appeals with the resulting Rule 1:28 opinion affirming the housing court judge’s Order and finally shutting down the plaintiff in this case – the same plaintiff as in LAS Collections v. Pagan,…
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