One year after Massachusetts was supposed to clear tenants of broker fees, Massachusetts renters are still getting hit with big bills when they sign a lease. Listings on Craigslist, Zillow and other platforms routinely flag a broker's fee, and many renters say they...
Most Massachusetts renters don’t know what their landlord is legally required to do — which is exactly how landlords who cut corners stay in business. Here are six violations that housing attorneys say are far more common than tenants realize. 1. Entering without...
As of August 1, 2025, a new Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to pay broker fees for services the landlord hired the broker to perform. The party who hires the broker must pay the fee, meaning tenants only pay if they directly engage a...
New data shows Massachusetts renters rely heavily on federal housing choice vouchers — sometimes called Section 8 — compared to the rest of the country. Around 10% of renters in the Bay State rely on a housing choice voucher to afford their rent, nearly double the...
Renting a Massachusetts home or apartment may feel straightforward, but what many renters don’t realize is how landlords profit from tenants in ways that aren’t always obvious. Beyond collecting monthly rent, property owners often use hidden fees, strategic contracts,...
Finding a decent place to rent in Massachusetts is hard enough. The last thing you need is to be taken advantage of by a landlord or a large rental company. Unfortunately, the rental industry has its fair share of tricks designed to squeeze every last penny out of...
Massachusetts rental leases are supposed to protect both landlords and tenants. But during eviction proceedings, certain clauses don’t hold up the way many property owners expect. Judges often rule against poorly written or unenforceable terms, leaving landlords...
Changes to a Massachusetts lease are easy to botch if the proper protocols are not followed, Here is a guide to ensure that every lease change made is well-informed, legal, and designed to protect the rental property. Signed Leases Are Legally Binding for Both...
Renting in Massachusetts can feel like a balancing act—finding the right place, paying rent on time, and trying not to break anything. But there’s one big moment of truth at the end: will the security deposit come back, or will it vanish into thin air? For many...
In today’s fast-paced Massachusetts rental market, a quick text message can seem like an efficient way to secure a new place to live. A landlord who communicates informally might feel more approachable and friendly. However, this casual approach can mask a variety of...