Top 11 Mistakes to Avoid as a Massachusetts Landlord – Guest Post

  

Avoid as a Massachusetts Landlord

Being a landlord in Massachusetts can be a rewarding and lucrative experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. As a landlord, it’s important to stay compliant with state laws to avoid costly legal issues and protect your investment. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 11 mistakes to avoid as a Massachusetts landlord to help you stay compliant with state laws.

  1. Failing to Disclose Lead Paint: Massachusetts law requires landlords to disclose any known lead paint hazards in rental properties built before 1978. Failure to disclose this information can result in legal action and fines.
  1. Discrimination: It is illegal to discriminate against tenants based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected class. Make sure you treat all tenants equally and follow fair housing laws.
  1. Failing to Provide a Habitable Unit: Landlords must provide a safe and habitable living environment for tenants. This includes providing heat, hot water, and proper maintenance of the property.
  1. Ignoring Tenant Complaints: If a tenant notifies you of a problem, such as a leak or a pest infestation, you must address it promptly. Ignoring tenant complaints can result in legal action and damages.
  1. Improperly Handling Security Deposits: Massachusetts landlord-tenant law requires landlords to properly handle security deposits, including providing a receipt and returning the deposit within 30 days of the lease ending. Failure to do so can result in legal action and penalties.
  1. Violating Lease Agreements: It’s important to follow lease agreements and not make changes without the tenant’s consent. Violating a lease agreement can result in legal action and damages.
  1. Retaliatory Eviction: Landlords cannot evict tenants in retaliation for exercising their legal rights, such as reporting a housing code violation. Retaliatory eviction is illegal and can result in legal action and damages.
  1. Failing to Follow Eviction Procedures: Massachusetts has strict eviction procedures that landlords must follow. Failure to follow these procedures can result in legal action and penalties.
  1. Illegal Entry: Landlords must give tenants notice before entering the property and can only enter for specific reasons, such as repairs or inspections. Illegal entry can result in legal action and damages.
  1. Not Providing Proper Notice: Landlords must provide proper notice before making any changes to the lease agreement or before entering the property. Failure to do so can result in legal action and damages.
  1. Improper Screening of Tenants: Landlords must properly screen tenants to avoid potential legal issues. This includes checking their credit and rental history and verifying their income and employment.

FAQs 

What are the laws regarding security deposits in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, landlords are required to provide tenants with a receipt for the security deposit and to hold the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account. Landlords must also return the security deposit to the tenant within 30 days of the end of the lease, minus any deductions for unpaid rent or damages.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without cause in Massachusetts?

No, in Massachusetts, a landlord cannot evict a tenant without cause. A landlord must have a valid reason, such as failure to pay rent or violating the lease agreement, to evict a tenant.

What is the notice requirement for a landlord to enter a tenant’s unit in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a landlord must provide a tenant with at least 24 hours notice before entering their unit. The notice must specify the reason for the entry and the date and time of the entry.

What are the tenant’s rights in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, tenants have the right to a safe and habitable living environment, protection from discrimination, the right to withhold rent in certain situations, the right to receive proper notice before any changes to the lease agreement, and the right to privacy.

What are the landlord’s responsibilities in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, landlords are responsible for maintaining a safe and habitable living environment, providing necessary repairs and maintenance, providing heat and hot water, and following proper eviction procedures.

Can a landlord require a tenant to pay the first and last month’s rent, as well as a security deposit?

Yes, in Massachusetts, landlords are allowed to require tenants to pay the first and last month’s rent, as well as a security deposit, before moving in. However, the total amount cannot exceed three months’ rent.

Conclusion

Being a landlord in Massachusetts comes with a lot of responsibilities, and staying compliant with state laws is crucial to avoid costly legal issues and protect your investment. By avoiding the top 11 mistakes discussed in this blog post, you can ensure a successful and profitable rental property. As a landlord, it’s important to keep yourself informed of changes to the state’s landlord-tenant laws and to follow proper procedures for handling security deposits, maintenance, and evictions. By doing so, you can establish positive relationships with your tenants and avoid potential legal pitfalls. Remember, as a landlord, you have a duty to provide a safe and habitable living environment for your tenants, and by following these tips, you can fulfill that duty while also protecting your own interests.