Guide to Massachusetts Tenants Renters' Rights
Massachusetts law governs the rights both tenants and landlords have in a lease agreement and protects a tenant's right to live in a clean, peaceful and reasonably priced rental property. The landlord is allowed to collect a security deposit, but must pay any interest to the renter on an annual basis. In case of disputes, the tenant can request a mediator.
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Lease Agreement
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Landlords in Massachusetts can give tenants either a written lease or a "tenancy at will" agreement. The written lease will last for a specific period of time while the "tenancy at will" agreement allows the tenant to live there on a month-to-month basis. If the tenant signs a lease agreement, the landlord cannot end the agreement and evict the tenant during the duration of the lease, unless the tenant violates the lease agreement. Both the landlord and the tenant must follow everything listed in the lease such as paying the monthly rent on time and maintaining the property.
Rental Fees
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The landlord can charge the tenant a security deposit, first and last month's rent, and the cost of changing the locks on the property. The landlord must place the security deposit in an interest-earning bank account and provide the tenant with the account number. The landlord must give the tenant the interest earned on the security deposit once per year. Upon vacating the property, the landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant or provide a list of repairs deducted from the deposit within 30 days, according to the Massachusetts attorney general's office. The landlord cannot raise the rent during the term of any lease agreement. If the tenant has a "tenancy at will" agreement, the landlord must give a 30-day notice before raising the rent.
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Maintenance
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The landlord must keep the rental unit in a safe condition and make any necessary repairs to both the building itself and the rental unit. This includes maintaining the structure of the building and making necessary repairs to the plumbing, electric and central air systems inside the rental unit. Landlords must also respect the privacy of their tenants and give a tenant notice before entering her property. With proper notice, the tenant must allow the landlord entrance to make repairs or inspect the rental property.
Disputes
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If a dispute arises between the landlord and the tenant, the tenant can request that a mediator settle the problem. Tenants can find a mediator through the Massachusetts attorney general's office or the Massachusetts Communities and Development Housing Services Program.
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