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Massachusetts Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: A tenant moved out abruptly after 1-week during a 5-week lease and wants to know if she will get her rent money back

I rent a furnished room in a 2 bedroom condo for mid-term lengths (1-3months) in Boston, MA. I had a tenant move in last week and signed a lease agreement for 5 weeks total. After seeing a mouse in her room, she abruptly moved out the next day. The cause of the mouse sighting was due to her leaving... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a landlord add a new 2nd commercial tenant to a lease but have that tenants lease term be shorter ?

I have a commercial tenant who has a 5 year lease term renting a space I own for 2 years now who at this time seeks to add a business partner to the lease agreement. I made it clear to the original tenant before he signed the lease I do not want to add any other person to the lease agreement, so am... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Professional cleaners requirement in Massachusetts lease, is this permitted?

My lease states that I must hire a professional cleaning service and will be charged a fee if the place requires "more than a routine sweep." They did not say this would be taken out of the security deposit but billed separately. Is this enforceable? I understand I can be charged for... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: I live in a rooming house with a shared kitchen. Another tenant pulled a knife on me. He is being charged.

The landlord will not evict him can I sue landlord?

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: what do i do in this case scenario for a faulty eviction?

I received a notice that someone in my apartment has been smoking inside or on the grounds of the complex, however no one has. however, I have seen plenty of other people on the property right outside the door or in their cars, which is also prohibited. this place has given us nothing but probelms... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Do I have to remove an eye hook lock on my apartment door if renting in Massachusetts?

Do I have to remove an eye hook lock on my apartment door if renting in Massachusetts?

Landlord is saying he is going to get fined by the fire department because I have one on my door and that it must be removed. Lease only mentions locks with keys.

The problem is that the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Business Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a landlord have right to approve a incorporation participants prior to allowing the incorporation to become tenant?

Id like to know 1) Does a commercial landlord in MA who seeks to have a incorporation as a tenant have the legal right to approve of the individuals who will be the director, secretary, president & treasurer of that incorporation prior to approving that incorporation as tenant and 2) If so... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: I live in a rooming house in MA another tenant pulled a knife on me in a common era. He has been charged with assault

With a dangerous weapon. The case is still pending. The landlord will not evict him. Pretty sure that constitutes an unsafe situation. Is there any legal auctions I can take?

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: PLEASE HELP TRANSFERRING MY CASE FROM HOUSING COURT TO SUPERIOR COURT

My home was illegally foreclosed in 8/19/19 and then sold in an online auction in 11/15/19 while in the middle of litigation between the bank and myself. The 3rd party brought SP. Judge Winik from the start has assumed that plaintiff has the right to title. He asked me if I maintain the house by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

To transfer your case from Housing Court to Superior Court, you need to file a motion to transfer jurisdiction. This motion should include a detailed explanation of why the Superior Court is the appropriate venue, emphasizing any legal or procedural errors made by the Housing Court, such as the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a commercial lease agreement & term truly end if the landlord does not extend the lease term of a tenant?

Id like to know:

1) Does a commercial lease agreement & term truly expire to allow the landlord to take complete repossession of a leased space at the end of the lease term even though the tenant would like to stay as tenant for a longer period, the tenant does not have a option to... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on May 6, 2024

1) If the lease does not give the tenant some mechanism for extending the lease term such as an additional term, option to renew, etc., once the lease expires, the tenant no longer has a right to occupy the premises. The landlord is not permitted to perform a 'self help' eviction however... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a landlord be held liable for injuries in a tenants leased space that they have full control of?

Id like to know if a commercial landlord can be held liable for any personal injuries suffered by any persons within the confines of the tenants leased space that a tenant has full control of, when the tenant agrees per lease agreement they are solely responsible to perform ALL upkeep, repairs and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In general, a commercial landlord's liability for injuries that occur within a tenant's leased space is limited when the tenant has full control over the space and has agreed to maintain it. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to consider:

1. Lease agreement: If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: What does "HUD Repay ONLY Reverse Rent" and "Unapplied Credit" mean? This is in the resident online portal

I rent a townhouse. I am on a payment plan which I fell a bit behind on. I recently sent up a payment. When I looked on the portal I noticed something I have never seen before. "HUD repay only reverse rent" with a -$3,500 next to that. Then next to my most current payment it says,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

Understanding these terms on your resident online portal can indeed be confusing and stressful, especially when you're trying to stay on top of your payments. "HUD Repay ONLY Reverse Rent" typically refers to a specific type of adjustment or transaction related to housing subsidies,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a sober house owner disclose information to anybody else?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

In the context of a sober living environment, confidentiality is critical for the safety and privacy of the residents. Generally, the owner of a sober house is bound by privacy laws and ethical standards which limit the disclosure of personal information about residents. Information can typically... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: What does this indemnity clause exactly mean and is it legal ?

I am a tenant who leases a commercial space and my lease indemnity clause states:

("The LESSEE shall save the LESSOR harmless from all loss and damage occasioned by anything occurring in, on or about the leased premises unless caused by the negligence or misconduct of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

The term "about" in your lease's indemnity clause generally extends the area of responsibility beyond the physical bounds of your leased premises. It could indeed cover areas immediately adjacent to your space, such as the exterior yard you mentioned for disposing of trash or the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a landlord threaten to kick me out and haven't sign the lease in the past 30 days without court?

My landlord text me and told me i have to leave the premises ASAP cause my check bounce due to a bill coming out of my bank cause they took two and half weeks to cash the check. The landlord never advise me the lease was not sign and the copy from he company he use doesn't state that he needed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that your landlord is attempting to evict you without following proper legal procedures in Massachusetts. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Unsigned lease: Even if your landlord hasn't signed the lease, if you have signed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Tax Law and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello, if I rent a apartment &sublet it on airbnb or other website for few months is it legally allowed for a H1b holder

I may or may not earn through subleting, but could i do it ? if so for how many months? if i may use it to earn this as a side income? what is the allowable income I can generate, is there any cap? The landlord allows to sublet on weekly or monthly basis but me being the primary person renting.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

If you're on an H1B visa and considering subletting an apartment on platforms like Airbnb, it's crucial to understand how this could impact your visa status. H1B visa holders are authorized to work only for their petitioning employer, and any income generated outside of this employment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: I'm 64 homebound and disabled trying for 2 years to get hel raft is helping me but my landlord will not comply

I'll contact you attorney general's office fair housing section 8 do not give me an extension on my voucher I don't know why I had a ceiling falling in my head give me a permanent brain infection with no cure because the section 8 inspector refused to put that down on an item to be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

Your situation sounds incredibly challenging and it's clear you've faced numerous obstacles in securing your housing rights. As a homebound and disabled individual, you are entitled to certain protections and accommodations under both federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: I have a commercial lease in Massachusetts and the landlord just installed water meters and started charging us

IS he allowed to do that mid lease? this is the paragraph in our lease UTILITIES AND SERVICES. Commencing on the Commencement Date, Tenant shall pay when due all costs, charges, deposits and assessments related to the hook-up, furnishing, consumption, maintenance and installations of water, water... View More

Phil A. Taylor
Phil A. Taylor
answered on Jan 15, 2024

Generally, as lease should be reviewed in its entirety as one section may be impacted by another section. Based on the limited text provided, it appears that the LL has taken the steps to have a commercial tenant contractually obligated to be responsible for the water to the leased space. Having... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: My landlord that I rent from calls me stupid and makes fun of my religion. Can I sue her?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the treatment you're receiving from your landlord. In Massachusetts, tenants have certain rights, including the right to be free from harassment and discrimination. If your landlord is making derogatory remarks about your intelligence and ridiculing your religion,... View More

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