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...
Application fees are one of those areas where inexperienced Massachusetts landlords follow common sense instead of the law, and pay penalties as a result. The law for property owners and managers is clear. It states that prior to the beginning of a tenancy, no lessor...
Do you own multiple-family dwelling units in Massachusetts ? Are you considering entering the market as an owner? If so, you must be familiar with the Massachusetts Lead Paint Law (Lead Law).The Lead Law is a robust policy designed to protect children. Owners should...
Massachusetts landlords must help the tenant maintain 64 to 68 °F from September 15 to June 15 under the Massachusetts heat laws. Massachusetts apartment heating laws are specified in the State Sanitary Code, officially 105 CMR 410 The Minimum Standards of Fitness for...
Raising rent is always a contentious issue among Massachusetts landlords and tenants. Are raises in rent allowed? The answer depends upon the rental agreement between the parties: whether there is a lease or tenancy-at-will. A lease is where the landlord and tenant...
What's a Massachusetts residential lease? A lease, is a contract for the rental of property. As such, a lease is enforceable at law. If a tenant signs a lease which is usually for a one-year term, the tenant is liable for rental payments during that period of time. A...
A common problem for Massachusetts landlords is abandoned tenant property. When a tenant leaves an apartment, what should the landlord do about any property left behind? If the landlord is certain that the tenant has completely moved out of the apartment, the problem...
A question that anyone in a landlord/tenant case needs to consider is, who pays legal fees in an eviction case? The answer to this question makes a huge difference in determining whether to pursue a potential claim against a landlord or tenant. To read the rest of...