What do landlords have to disclose to tenants in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, landlords must disclose specific information to tenants (usually in the lease or rental agreement), such as a move-in checklist (if the landlord collected a security deposit) and the identity of anyone authorized to act on the landlord’s behalf. For a full list, see Massachusetts Required Landlord Disclosures.

When does a landlord have to evict a tenant in Massachusetts?

State laws specify when and how a landlord may terminate a tenancy. For example, a landlord may give a Massachusetts tenant at will who has received a second notice to pay rent or quit within 12 months an unconditional quit notice that gives the tenant 14 days to move out before the landlord can file for eviction.

What do you need to be a landlord in Massachusetts?

MassachusettsLandlords.net, Everything you need to be a landlord. MassLandlords is the landlord trade association for Massachusetts. We have lease agreements, eviction notices, and every other kind of landlord help you need.

When does a landlord withhold rent in Massachusetts?

Tenants may withhold rent or exercise the right to “repair and deduct” if a landlord fails to take care of important repairs, such as a broken heater. For specifics, see Massachusetts Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent or “Repair and Deduct”. State laws specify when and how a landlord may terminate a tenancy.

What are the rights of a landlord in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Rights In Massachusetts, lease agreements can be either written or oral. According to Massachusetts law (Massachusetts Legislature Ch. 186), this agreement grants certain rights to a tenant, including the right to a habitable dwelling and the right to take at least 2 forms of alternative action.

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Massachusetts?

Nonpayment of rent – If a tenant does not pay rent by the due date, then a Massachusetts landlord may file a 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. If the tenant still does not pay within 14 days, then the landlord may pursue formal eviction.

Can a landlord evict an elderly person due to age?

Seniors are protected by the federal Fair Housing Act, not because of their age but as disabled individauls. The Act permits a landlord to evict a tenant who poses a direct threat to the safety and health of other tenants. Some landlords argue that a tenant’s decline in independence creates such a threat.

What happens if an elderly tenant is late on rent?

If an elderly tenant is routinely late with the rent payment, it may be because a Social Security or pension payment comes at a certain time each month. Landlords can go a long way toward keeping a good tenant by simply adjusting the rent due date. Normally, you can evict a tenant for failure to maintain the property.

Nonpayment of rent – If a tenant does not pay rent by the due date, then a Massachusetts landlord may file a 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. If the tenant still does not pay within 14 days, then the landlord may pursue formal eviction.

What are the laws on rent in Massachusetts?

State law regulates several rent-related issues, including late fees, the amount of notice (at least 30 days or the interval between days of payment in Massachusetts) landlords must give tenants to raise the rent, and how much time (14 days in Massachusetts) a tenant has to pay rent or move before a landlord can file for eviction.

Can a landlord refuse to enter an apartment in Massachusetts?

Our starting point is the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 186, section 15B controls a landlord’s right of entry and a tenant’s right to refuse entry. This law states that your landlord can only enter your apartment for certain specific reasons, which include.

Can a landlord withhold rent from a tenant in Massachusetts?

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.

When does a landlord in Massachusetts evict a tenant?

If the tenant still does not pay within 14 days, then the landlord may pursue formal eviction. Lease violation – Massachusetts law does not require landlords to give advance notice in the case of lease violations. As such, if a lease violation occurs, tenants may face immediate eviction without notice.

Can a landlord change the price of rent in Massachusetts?

Landlords are typically required to provide tenants notice if they are changing anything in the lease. In Massachusetts, the amount of notice depends on what kind of rental agreement the landlord and tenant have. Please note that landlords cannot change the rent price during a fixed term lease.

Under Massachusetts law, landlords must make certain disclosures to tenants (usually in the lease or rental agreement), such as the name of the landlord’s property insurance company (upon the tenant’s request).

Do you have to pay your landlord in Massachusetts?

As a tenant, you have a legal responsibility to pay your landlord for the use of a place that is in decent condition. Massachusetts law also provides you with rights that protect the payments you

Can a landlord reject a rent application in Massachusetts?

While Massachusetts landlords are legally free to reject applicants—based on a bad credit history, negative references, from previous landlords, past behavior, such as consistently paying rent late, or other factors that make them a bad risk—this doesn’t mean that anything goes.

What are the rules for renting an apartment in Massachusetts?

A lengthy guide that covers all the key issues for a tenant, including security deposits, utilities, lead paint, landlords entering the apartment, and more. “In Massachusetts, the state Sanitary Code is the primary source of law that gives tenants a right to decent housing. All rental housing must at least meet the state Sanitary Code.”

What happens if a landlord violates a lease in Massachusetts?

Lease violation – Massachusetts law does not require landlords to give advance notice in the case of lease violations. As such, if a lease violation occurs, tenants may face immediate eviction without notice.

What are the rights of a tenant in Massachusetts?

Just about the best book written on Massachusetts tenants’ rights. Lets victims of domestic violence end a lease or get their locks changed. Sellers and brokers don’t have to tell buyers or tenants about a murder or suicide in the house, or about ghosts or other paranormal activity. However, they can’t lie if they are asked about it.