A New Hampshire tenant was awarded $35,000 from the John J. Flatley Company, which owns and runs apartment complexes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, after an apartment complex wouldn't let the tenant's emotional support dog stay on the property, said federal...
Landlord Tenant Law
Your Rights in a Massachusetts Rooming House
What Is a Massachusetts Rooming House? A rooming house is a business that rents out 4 individual rooms or more in the same building. They are sometimes called boarding houses, lodging houses, or single room occupancy units (SROs). Individual renters usually have their...
Can I Break My Massachusetts Lease if I Live With Domestic Violence?
Anyone can move out and break their Massachusetts lease. But the results can be costly. Usually, You may still owe the landlord rent for some months that are left on your lease. You may have to pay a fee for breaking your lease. Your old landlord will give a bad...
What to do if Your Massachusetts Landlord Refuses to Make Repairs
Here are the options available to a Massachusetts tenant if the landlord refuses to make necessary repairs. 1. Withhold Rent One way to get your Massachusetts landlord to fix bad conditions is to withhold all or some of your rent until the landlord actually makes the...
When May Your Massachusetts Landlord Enter Your Apartment
Many Massachusetts landlords think that they can let themselves into your apartment any time they want. This is not true. Your landlord must have your permission to enter. If you do not give your landlord permission to enter: the landlord can enter if there are terms...
What Can a Massachusetts Landlord Charge You For
When you move in, the most your Massachusetts landlord can charge you is: The first month's rent, The last month's rent, A security deposit up to the amount of the first month's rent, and The cost of buying and installing a new lock. Whenever you pay the landlord any...
Obligations for Snow Removal on Sidewalks for Disability Access in Massachusetts
Your Massachusetts municipality may have an ordinance or bylaw requiring you to clear the sidewalks that abut your home or business. The Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS) maintains a “Sidewalk Snow Removal Map” which indicates whose...
Start Your New Massachusetts Lease on the Right Foot
The fall is the peak of moving season in Massachusetts. Whether you are a college student moving into your first apartment or a seasoned renter relocating, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Being a responsible tenant starts...
An Emotional Support Dog Can Be Beneficial to Your Mental Health in Massachusetts
Many studies have proven that just spending time around your dog, as well as petting and snuggling with him, helps lessen anxiety, depression, stress and even loneliness. But sometimes, we need a little more support. Our dogs can help provide that needed emotional...
How to Evict a Roommate in Massachusetts
If you've got a bad Massachusetts roommate, you're probably wondering: Can I kick them out? In Massachusetts, if you and your roommate are both on a lease, you don't have the legal power to evict them. If you are the only one on the lease, however, it's possible to...