Massachusetts Tenant Rights Laws
Tenant rights in Massachusetts provide protection against landlords that would take advantage of renters. Laws are in place that guarantee renting practices that are free from discrimination, assure the tenant that the apartment must be in good condition, and provide recourse if a landlord does not make repairs to a property, such as withholding of rent.
Other People Are Reading
-
Pre-Payments
-
Before a tenant moves into an apartment, the landlord is only allowed to collect the security deposit, cost to replace a door lock/key, and first month's rent from the tenant. The tenant does not have to pay any additional fees to the landlord beyond this, and any attempt by the landlord to collect additional fees is illegal and a violation of the tenant's rights.
Rights Against Discrimination
-
Tenants in Massachusetts have the right to fair housing free from discrimination based on race, sex, creed, sexual preference, marital status, physical or mental disability, or the presence of a seeing-eye dog. Additionally, no tenant may be refused a dwelling if he receives rental subsidy from the state if the apartment contains lead or if he has children.
-
Rental Payments
-
It is the legal responsibly of the tenant to pay rent on the agreed upon time identified in the rental agreement or lease. No tenant may be forced to make pre-payment for rent due, and it also illegal for the landlord to reduce rental payments if the payment is made early: for example, a 10 percent discount on the monthly rent if the payment is made by the 25th of the month. Additionally, a tenant may not be charged late fees for missed rental payments until 30 days after the due date.
Security Deposits
-
A tenant has the right to receive yearly interest payments (5 percent or less) from an account in which his security deposit has been held. Landlords must provide the tenant with the name and address of the bank along with the account number, though the tenant need not have direct access to the account.
-
References
- Photo Credit apartment for rent image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
