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long story short, i live with my wife who is not currently on the lease in my apartment. The leases are written on a room by room basis, not for the whole apartment. At first this was no issue, now my room mate is demanding money, or he will inform my landlords that i am "breaking... View More 
answered on Jan 9, 2017
A lawyer should review your lease terms and facts of your case to answer your questions.
RE: extortion, see: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section25
The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on... View More
I am looking into adopting a dog, and have gotten my landlord's permission to do so, albeit with some restrictions. His homeowners insurance company has blacklisted several breeds, including pit bulls. The dog I am interested in rescuing is labeled as a lab mix, and it is a puppy, so it is... View More
answered on Dec 23, 2016
Better safe than sorry: avoid adopting a dog that might violate your landlord's terms and insurance requirements. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any... View More
Me and my friend signed a lease for an apartment in charlestown boston and paid $1500 as deposit. Now my friend has to move to another state due to his family emergency. I cannot pay the whole rent by myself, so started looking for other roommate. But the landlord says he does'nt have time to... View More
answered on Dec 15, 2016
You leave out some crucial facts. If you signed the lease, then the landlord has to give you the keys; otherwise he's in breach and would have to return your money to you. If you signed the lease, it's your duty to pay the full rent. If you need a roommate and your lease allows sublets,... View More
Hello. I have lived in my current apartment about 9 months now. When we moved in it was winter (february) and we noticed the windows needed work. One is broken(actual piece of broken glass, taped to stay together) multiple do not open/stay open. one falls out if it isnt locked, and two-3 are uneven... View More
answered on Dec 15, 2016
Keep all communications in writing so you have a record of them. If the landlord is neglecting their duty to reasonably and timely maintain your apartment in good working order, you may be able to pay for repairs yourself and deduct if from the rent. Definitely talk to a lawyer first about this so... View More
I am living in an apartments in MA and we were having a MICE problems with our Apartment and we have made several complains yet the issues is not fixed completely. Today we had a maintenance visit at 9.00 AM and they opened up the heater went (with Dead Mice Inside) and left the home to attend some... View More
answered on Dec 12, 2016
Sue or vacate because of a phone argument? That sounds a bit much. But if they're not abiding by their contractual maintenance duties, then put your concerns in polite written communications to them (e.g., email, a mailed letter, fax). If they don't comply, you might choose to sue or... View More
Family of 3, they have a 7 year old boy. They have been late, by less than a week 3 times in the past year. Last month approx 2 weeks late due to bank error. They owe no back rent. They don't want to move, and if they must, need more than 30 days to do so. Live in MA. What should they do next?... View More
answered on Dec 12, 2016
It depends on local rent control laws, if applicable; on the terms of the contract; and on the relationship/ communications between the landlord and the tenants. But generally, landlords are not required to renew leases, barring these aforementioned possible exceptions. The best first step is an... View More
The lease I provided does not mention smoking. My tenant claims he smokes outside the house in the patio and refuses to stop. Other tenants claim they are bothered by the smell and are supported by their landlords who ask me to address the situation. Is refusal to comply on my tenant's part... View More
answered on Dec 12, 2016
If your tenant is smoking in or too near the building such that they're causing a nuisance, violating any contracts you have with the other owners, or violating any statutory laws, then you may be liable. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney to consider any liability... View More
I recently got a roommate moving in. Since I'm the first one signing the lease, I already paid the full deposit.
We co-signed the lease with management office. The lease ends at December 2016. Now she's moved in for a week, not paying rent, and wants to moving out without paying... View More
answered on Dec 11, 2016
You can sue for breach of contract, unless you negotiate a resolution. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any... View More
He was my godfather whom passed away he loved me like a daughter and I called him dad and now this executor is trying to claim things that don't belong to him and has not made no rental agreement with me and is not taking care of anything he harasses me and stalks me and scares my adult child... View More
answered on Dec 11, 2016
If you're seeking to challenge the executor's actions, including the eviction, you can file pleadings to this effect in the related Court. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not... View More
I live in Massachusetts. I told my roommate about a month ago that I am leaving in mid May, but her new roommate isn't moving in until mid July and they want me to pay the rent until then. Our lease goes until November. What options do I have? What happens if I don't pay rent since... View More
answered on Dec 11, 2016
It sounds like you might be breaching a contractual duty by moving out early and not paying what you owe. You may be sued for that for more than just the rent, including additional damages. Further, it sounds like an unethical move. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney.... View More
he states that i am responsible for mold growing between the pad and sub floor in two rooms and charged me for the repairs. can i cash that check in the mean time?
answered on Nov 13, 2015
Probably. He might claim that the doctrine of "accord and satisfaction" applies, but it is doubtful that he could prevail on that theory.
The reason Management Co. is refusing to return our deposit is because they claim we did not pay the last month rent of our lease agreement which is totally a perposterous thing to say. We have that canceled check proving they took our rent for that month. We've gone in the leasing office... View More
answered on Aug 3, 2011
In many jurisdictions, if the landlord does not return the security deposit within 30 days from the date the tenant moves out of the premises, the tenant may sue to recover double the amount due, plus court costs. In many jurisdictions, if the amount sought is $3,000.00 or less, the tenant may sue... View More
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