A low-cost home loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — also called a VA home loan — is more than just a way for veterans to afford homes. The loans can also be used to help veterans buy rental homes that they can make some extra money from as...
When you’re hunting for a new apartment or house to rent in Massachusetts, you’re focused on the basics such as the complex’s amenities, the kitchen countertops, the open floor plan, the yard. Probably the last thing on your mind? Whether your soon-to-be landlord...
On December 31, 2020 Massachusetts Governor Baker signed into law Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2020, which makes important changes to summary process rules and procedures that will be in effect until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency. Please take note of the...
Every Massachusetts rental agreement must have certain terms, and is prohibited from containing certain other terms. The lease must include the name, address, and phone number of the owner, the person responsible for maintenance, and the person to whom the tenant can...
Your rights and responsibilities as either a Massachusetts landlord or a tenant depend on whether the tenancy is based on a lease or is an at-will tenancy. Tenancy based on a lease When a tenant signs a lease with a landlord, the tenant agrees that the tenancy will...
The unprecedented disappearance of 26 million U.S. jobs in mere weeks has left many Massachusetts renters scrambling to make their monthly payments. If your source of income dried up or was seriously curtailed, you might be considering moving into a cheaper place, or...
Many Massachusetts landlords are unaware that before charging tenants for hot water and sewer service, they must comply with the numerous requirements of the Massachusetts Water Sewer Sub-Metering Law. These requirements include having separate water meters for each...
If you already have some experience as a Massachusetts rental property owner under your belt, you should support the argument that finding good renters is a crucial aspect of protecting your business. Great tenants will abide by your policies, pay rent on time, and...
Does a Massachusetts landlord have to approve a Section 8 applicant? No, so long as the reason for the rejection is not the Section 8 voucher. Landlords are required by state law to participate in the Section 8 program, if a Section 8 voucher holder is the most...
If you are a Massachusetts landlord, when you leased your premises, you took a security deposit from your tenant. Unfortunately, you did not comply with the strict requirements set forth in the Security Deposit Act.Perhaps you failed to deposit the funds in a...