lawyer in boston for residents who rent

Why hire a landlord/tenant attorney in Boston?

Law Office of W. Matthew Iler, Jr. Ad · Landlord & Tenant Lawyers Serving Boston, MA (Boston, MA) Past client? Leave a review. A Landlord/Tenant firm representing clients in the Boston Metro area. Visit Website 617-804-3533 View Profile Contact us Free Consultation The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese & Barletti Landlord & Tenant Lawyers in Boston, MA

Where can I get help with a landlord dispute in Boston?

Top Rated Landlord & Tenant Lawyers in Boston, MA Scott H. Kapilian. Experienced landlord & tenant attorney. Serving Boston, Massachusetts residents. Nicholas P. Shapiro. Choose Nicholas P. Shapiro for experienced, diligent landlord & tenant representation in …

Do I need a lawyer for tenant remedies?

Landlord's Rights in Boston, MA. Landlords are, of course, entitled to collect rent from their tenants. If a tenant fails to pay the agreed-upon rent, the landlord is typically able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated. Landlords also have a right to be free from damage to the ...

What are a tenant’s rights in Massachusetts?

Find the best Landlord or tenant lawyer in Boston, MA - Avvo Boston, MA Landlord or tenant lawyers (221 attorneys, 743 reviews) Sort by Jordana Greenman Attorney at Law 185 Devonshire St Ste 302, Boston, MA Save 20 reviews Avvo Rating: 10 Licensed for 15 years Aggressive advocacy for landlords. Call today. (617) 379-6112 Message Website

How do I sue my landlord in Massachusetts?

To bring a lawsuit under the Consumer Protection Act, you must sue the landlord within 4 years of when the landlord's unfair or deceptive act occurred. If other tenants are also affected or injured by the landlord's unfair or deceptive acts, you can bring a class action lawsuit against her.

What are landlord rights in Massachusetts?

Landlords' Rights in Massachusetts Massachusetts law allows landlords to collect rent payments when it's due. It also allows the landlord to use a security deposit to deduct for extreme damage that exceeds regular wear and tear, and request the tenant to keep their property in good repair and condition.Dec 21, 2021

Is it legal to withhold rent in Massachusetts?

Rent withholding The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that when a landlord fails to maintain a dwelling in habitable condition, a tenant may properly withhold a portion of the rent from the date the landlord has notice of this breach of warrant of habitability.

How long do you have to pay rent in Massachusetts?

30 daysMassachusetts provides tenants with an unusually long grace period. A tenant has up to 30 days from the due date to pay rent before the landlord can charge a late fee.Feb 11, 2020

How much can landlord raise rent in Massachusetts?

There is no rent control in Massachusetts, meaning that there's no limit to how much your landlord can raise the rent. Coronavirus has not changed this—although many states passed laws to protect renters from eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic, they haven't gone so far as to ban rent increases.Jul 2, 2020

How do I report a landlord for negligence?

You can make a formal complaint by writing a letter to your landlord. Explain your problem and what you want them to do to solve it. Tell them what rights you have and what you think they should have done. Talk to an adviser at your nearest Citizens Advice to find out what rights you have.

How much can landlord raise rent?

In most areas without rent control, there is no limit on the amount your landlord can increase the rent. But landlords cannot raise the rent at whim. The timing of a rent increase, and the way your landlord communicates it, are governed by statute in most states.

Can my landlord show my apartment during Covid Massachusetts?

Landlords must follow COVID-19 rules when showing a unit to a possible renter or buyer, especially if you're still living in the home. Landlords should not show your place if there is someone living there who is in quarantine or who has a health condition that makes COVID-19 riskier for them.Mar 7, 2022

Are landlords responsible for pest control in Massachusetts?

Infestation: Common areas and apartments must be kept clean and free from rodent, insect and other infestation if there are two or more apartments in the building.

Can a landlord refuse to renew your lease?

In most situations, a landlord is not required to extend or renew a lease. They can change any of the terms and conditions, including the rent price. They can also end ask you to leave the property when your lease is over and they don't need a reason.Aug 16, 2019

Can my landlord sell the house I'm renting?

This is usually the first question that arises when a landlord wants to sell. The simple answer is yes, you can sell a property with a tenant still living in it. In fact, most states' laws give tenants the right to remain in a rental property after a sale until the lease or rental agreement expires.

What are my rights as a tenant at will in Massachusetts?

Whether a lease or a tenancy-at-will, the tenant must pay rent, follow the rules agreed upon with the landlord, and accept responsibility for any damage to the apartment that is more than just “normal wear and tear." The landlord must provide an apartment that is safe, clean, and in compliance with the Massachusetts ...

Arthur Goldberg

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Scott H. Kapilian

Experienced landlord & tenant attorney. Serving Boston, Massachusetts residents.

Gerry D'Ambrosio

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Robert G. Peterson, Jr

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What is landlord tenant relationship?

The landlord tenant relationship plays a major role in the lives of many people and their businesses. In recent years, the quantity and demand for commercial and residential rental properties has grown exponentially. During that same period state and local governments have acted by drafting new complex landlord tenant laws.

What causes landlord/tenant disputes?

Landlord/tenant disputes can be brought on by many different factors — whether it’s a tenant who has failed to pay rent or caused damage to their rented property, or a landlord who has neglected their responsibilities. Housing is understandably an emotional issue for many people so when disputes do arise, the landlord/tenant relationship tends to devolve into a contentious situation. One important role of a landlord/tenant litigation lawyer is to make sure that, during these moments, the law and the facts prevail.

Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Relations between tenants and landlords in Boston, Massachusetts can occasionally be touchy. The fact is that it's not easy to be a landlord or a tenant, particularly because landlords and tenants often don't understand the legal rights and responsibilities that apply to them.

Landlord's Rights in Boston, MA

Landlords are, of course, entitled to collect rent from their tenants. If a tenant fails to pay the agreed-upon rent, the landlord is typically able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated.

Tenant's Rights in Boston, MA

The most basic right of a tenant is the right to a living space that's fit for human habitation. This is, after all, what they're paying the landlord to present. Landlords in Boston, Massachusetts are under a legal duty to make sure that their apartments are habitable.

FLAT-FEE EVICTIONS FOR UNCONTESTED NON-PAYMENT OF RENT

Shur Law Group offers our clients flat-fee evictions for non-payment of rent cases.

CONTESTED NON-PAYMENT OF RENT EVICTIONS

Should a tenant formally contest an eviction by filing formal defenses, counterclaims, motions or demanding discovery, Shur Law Group charges a reasonable hourly rate to respond and defend the client, and appear for further hearings and trial.

Security deposits and other fees

Property owners can ask for deposits and fees before a tenant moves in. By law, they can charge you:

Leases vs. tenancies-at-will

If a property owner offers you a lease, read it carefully before signing it. Leases, which typically run for one year, are binding legal contracts.

Dealing with an eviction?

If a property owner wants to evict you, they must end your tenancy with the proper written notice, and file a summary process action in court. Ultimately, only a judge can evict you.

Condo conversions

If a property owner wants to convert a residential property built before December 1983 that has four or more rental units, the property owner must apply to the City of Boston for a conversion permit.

Rights after a fire

By law, the property owner’s insurance has to cover up to $750 in costs per household for costs or damages to tenants affected by a fire. The property owner generally isn't responsible for damage to your belongings, so consider getting Renters Insurance. The property owner cannot charge you rent while your apartment is unlivable.

Other common issues

There are a few situations where you may consider withholding your rent payment. This includes if the property owner refuses to make repairs AND:

Tips for tenants

Be considerate of your neighbors. Having loud parties late at night, or cranking up the music may lead to complaints, and eventually to eviction.

Why do landlords have attorneys fees?

Many landlords include an "attorneys' fees" clause in their lease or rental agreement to prevent frivolous lawsuits. If your lease or rental agreement includes this clause, you might be entitled to get reimbursed for your reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs if you win a lawsuit against your landlord.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

What happens if your landlord doesn't fulfill your lease?

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the landlord who keeps putting off needed heating system repairs until winter is well under way, or the landlord who ignores a ground-floor tenant's requests to fix a broken window until a burglary occurs.

What is tenant rights?

The more you know the law and your legal rights, the better. The Tenant Rights section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides a wide variety of state and local resources, including links to fair housing groups, rent control boards, tenant unions, and legal aid organizations for each state ;

What to do if landlord refuses to honor promise?

If the landlord later refuses to honor the promise, you might need to hire a lawyer to write a stern letter to your landlord, with a reminder that landlords can be held liable for some criminal activities at their rentals, and threatening a lawsuit unless the landlord follows through.

What to do if landlord serves termination notice?

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions.

What happens if a landlord doesn't maintain the property?

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring repair job could spark an electrical fire in your living room, damaging your furniture and other belongings.

What are the prerogatives of a tenant in Boston?

Below are 10 basic prerogatives every tenant in the Boston area should be aware of. 1. Habitability. Massachusetts state law, which mandates most of the tenant rights for the Boston area, is pretty clear about this: “You are entitled to a safe and habitable living environment throughout your entire tenancy. The State Sanitary Code protects the ...

How long does it take for a security deposit to be returned in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law requires security deposits to be returned to tenants within 30 days of a lease ending. That includes interest on the deposit. Landlords also have to provide an itemized rundown of what they spent the deposit on, if they spent it at all. If tenants return an apartment in good working order, there’s usually no landlord expenditures.

What happens if a tenant believes a rental is not habitable?

If a tenant believes that a rental is not habitable under the State Sanitary Code—and they can document it—they have a right to contact the landlord immediately. That contact should be in writing, complete with the date, and the tenant should retain a copy.

How long does it take for a landlord to fix a plumbing problem?

Tenants have the right to make, or contract for, repairs themselves if the landlord doesn’t do them in a reasonable amount of time (things such as no heat or hot water, or a serious plumbing problem, have to be handled within 24 hours under state law).

What is the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group?

The Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group can provide advice on resolving landlord-tenant disputes. Boston Tenant Coalition. This is an advocacy group for tenants in the city, and can be a good place to go for advice on where to go next in a dispute with a landlord. 6. Freedom from retaliation.

What is the purpose of a landlord entering an apartment?

A landlord or an agent of the landlord can enter an apartment for any number of reasons under state law: to show the place to a potential tenant; to make repairs; to inspect it; to enforce a court order; and more. Landlords are expected to be reasonable in all such instances.

How hot does a room have to be to be a tenant?

In the case of the latter, tenants have to be able to heat it to between 110 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit; and, as for heat, every room has to reach at least 68 degrees from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. September 16 to June 14, and at least 64 degrees all other hours.

The Role of A Landlord-Tenant Lawyer

• The landlord-tenant relationship plays a major role in the lives of many people and their businesses. In recent years, the demand for commercial and residential rental properties has grown exponentially. During that same period, state and local governments have acted by drafting new, complex landlord-tenant laws. The landlord-tenant attorneys at Calabrese Law Associates …

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