A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage ...
Legal issues related to real estate and the landlord/tenant relationship come in a variety of forms. These often include: Landlord/tenant disputes, such as those related to rental rates, late or unpaid rent, security deposits, disagreements about the habitability of rental property, and other tenant rights and landlord rights issues.
Apr 03, 2015 · It is important that you find a lawyer who has the skills and abilities to represent you in your case. – Finally, make sure your lawyer has open channels of communication. Ask when the landlord/tenant lawyer is available to speak with you, how to contact them, and when all of the major events of your case are scheduled.
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Landlords can often prevent disputes with tenants by using an experienced lawyer to provide legal advice for all rental paperwork and processes. Lawyers that deal with landlord tenant issues can help you defend yourself from these common issues:
In Massachusetts it’s illegal to discriminate against potential and existing tenants due to their race, nationality, sex, family status, religion or disability. Ensuring that all application forms, leases, and interview questions do not contain any discriminating questions or vocabulary is the first step in avoiding discrimination cases.
The law in Massachusetts requires landlords to disclose specific information to prospective tenants such as whether the property contains lead paint. Seek legal advice to make sure that your lease or rental agreements contain all of the legally required disclosures to avoid future disputes and legal action.
Evictions. Evictions are not only one of the most stressful times for both landlords and tenants, they’re also one of the most disputed areas. Tenants are afforded a great deal of protection in Massachusetts, especially when it comes to the eviction process. Following the correct eviction process is extremely important if you want ...
Worcester law group has a proven track record of successfully defending the rights of landlords in many types of tenant landlord issues.
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.
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.
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.
Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hands—for example, by locking you out, canceling your utilities, or even removing your doors, windows, or possessions—consider hiring a lawyer.
Your Landlord Isn't Fulfilling Promises. Sometimes, landlords make promises to encourage hesitant applicants to rent from them. For example, if an applicant is concerned about the neighborhood crime rate, a landlord might promise to install a more effective intercom system or an electronic, gated parking lot.
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.
However, if an accident is the result of the landlord's carelessness, your landlord might be liable for any injuries. For example, you might break your leg after slipping on an icy patch on the front steps of your building.
Your first step, if you suspect your tenant rights are being violated, is to review your lease. Your rental agreement spells out important terms such as your rent, size of security deposit, lease termination date, and obligations as a tenant. This may help you determine whether you have a case or not.
He recommends writing your landlord what’s called a “demand letter”—a request in writing that states what you want your landlord to do.
As a tenant, you’re entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of your home—meaning your landlord can’t barge in whenever. A landlord is legally allowed to enter a property to make repairs, says Tamkin, “but someone who repeatedly enters a property to see what the tenant is doing for no legal reason could be in violation.”.
Your landlord doesn’t reimburse you for a repair. Home repairs are typically the landlord’s responsibility, Tamkin says. So let’s say you paid for necessary repairs and your landlord agreed to reimburse you. If he reneges, you could sue to get the money.
If you believe your landlord is trying to evict you illegally, you can sue and try to remain in the property. Furthermore, “if you were wrongfully evicted and incurred moving fees or temporary housing costs because of it, a court can order your landlord to reimburse you for those costs,” Tamkin says.
The worst consequence? Your landlord could file a lawsuit against you, and if you lose a countersuit, you could be responsible for damages that the landlord suffered.
Home repairs are typically the landlord’s responsibility, Tamkin says. So let’s say you paid for necessary repairs and your landlord agreed to reimburse you. If he reneges, you could sue to get the money. Just make sure you discussed springing for this expense before you pay for it.
These include: Entering Rental in an Emergency: A landlord does not have to provide notice to a tenant to enter the tenant’s unit in an emergency. 4 For example, if there is a fire in the building, the landlord can open the tenant’s door to try to make sure no one is left in ...
A landlord may perform these actions to disrupt the tenant's quiet, peaceful enjoyment of the rental unit, force the tenant to move from the unit or force the tenant to refrain from pursuing a legal right they have. 1 . The landlord's action usually must be ongoing and not an isolated incident. The harassment could be against a tenant who lives in ...
Erin Eberlin. Updated May 05, 2020. The relationship between landlord and tenant is not always peaceful. A landlord may attempt to harass or intimidate a tenant as a form of retaliation or to get the tenant to move out. Learn when a landlord’s actions are harassment, when the actions are legal and what a tenant can do about it.
The relationship between landlord and tenant is not always peaceful. A landlord may attempt to harass or intimidate a tenant as a form of retaliation or to get the tenant to move out. Learn when a landlord’s actions are harassment, when the actions are legal and what a tenant can do about it.
A landlord may attempt to harass or intimidate a tenant as a form of retaliation or to get the tenant to move out. Learn when a landlord’s actions are harassment, when the actions are legal and what a tenant can do about it.
16 Examples of Landlord Harassment. There are endless ways a landlord could harass a tenant. Some examples include: Illegal Entry: Advance notice is usually required before a landlord can enter the tenant’s apartment. Emergencies are an exception to this rule. Entering a tenant’s property without warning or prior approval could be considered ...
Changing the Locks: A landlord may change the locks on common area doors or on the actual entry doors to the tenant’s unit or even barricade these doors in order to get the tenant to move out of the property.