Dorchester, MA asked in Contracts, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts

Q: Can I get away with NOT paying rent considering the following "Force Majeure" statement in my rental lease document?

The Force Majeure paragraph: (Pandemic part)

Whenever a period of time is prescribed for the taking of an action by Landlord or Tenant (other than the payment of the Security Deposit or Rent), the period of time for the performance of such action shall be extended by the number of days that the performance is actually delayed due to strikes, acts of God, shortages of labor or materials, war, terrorist acts, pandemics, civil disturbances and other causes beyond the reasonable control of the performing party (“Force Majeure”).

1 Lawyer Answer
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Answered
  • Real Estate Law Lawyer
  • Tallahassee, FL

A: No. The definition you are relying upon expressly excludes "payment of the Security Deposit or Rent."

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