You both have to sign off on the notice, and the real estate agent has to keep it on file for three years. Renters insurance is a good idea, and can be surprisingly affordable.
Tenants are entitled to safe and sanitary housing. Landlords must comply with the Mass. Tenants should report violations to their landlord in writing. If landlords do not make the repairs, contact Inspectional Services. Meeting the housing code. Having loud parties late at night or cranking up the music may lead to complaints and eventually to eviction. The Office of Housing Stability helps property owners and tenants with housing issues.
If you have questions, call or email rentalhousing boston. We can help with any of the common issues below and more. You can also report non-emergencies to BOS If your apartment is unlivable, a property owner cannot charge you rent.
The City can help you find temporary housing in emergency situations. Condemnation : The City may condemn a residential unit or building if it does not meet the housing codes. An inspector will let tenants know that they need to leave if the property owner cannot be found. Condo conversions : A Boston ordinance gives some protections to tenants in rental buildings in Boston with four or more units that are being converted to condominiums.
Some buildings are exempt, like federal buildings and college dorms. Property owners must follow eviction procedures. Eviction : If your landlord wants to evict you, they must end your tenancy with the proper written notice, and file a summary process action in court.
Ultimately, only a judge can evict you. Our office tackles questions like those below. We can offer guidance based on your specific situation. You are entitled to the rent on the day specified by the terms of the tenancy.
You may charge a late fee only if there is a written agreement in place that allows it. This fee cannot be charged unless the rent is at least 30 days late. More on security deposits. We help eligible property owners cover the costs of lead paint removal. Property owners are legally responsible if a child is poisoned by lead hazards where they live.
Learn more about the Massachusetts Lead Law. If you own a rental property, you must register it with the City each year. All rental properties must meet the housing code in Boston. Register your rental. Skip to Main Content. Main menu. COVID information. Quick Links Contact: Neighborhood Development. Leases and agreements Contact: Neighborhood Development. Brokers have to give you a written notice that states how much the fee will cost. It also must tell you how you need to pay the fee, and if the fee usually only applies if you enter into a rental agreement.
You both have to sign off on the notice, and the broker has to keep it on file for three years. Property owners must keep your security deposit in its own separate, interest-bearing account in a Massachusetts bank.
They also have to give you receipts showing the amount of the deposit, contact information for you and the property owner, and a description of your apartment. The same receipt of in a second one given to you within 30 days must include the name of the bank in MA where it is being held, and the account number.
This is a list of any defects or damage already in the apartment. If you disagree with it, you need to dispute the notice in writing within 15 days of receiving it. You will be entitled to interest only if your tenancy lasts for a year or more. You can sue the property owner if they don't return your security deposit within 30 days of the lease ending, or if you disagree with any deductions.
The property owner has to give you a receipt for your last month's rent. The receipt must show:. The property owner has to pay interest on your last month's rent even if you move out before the year is up. The interest each year is either 5 percent or the amount of interest the bank pays, whichever is lower. If you stay in the apartment for more than one year, you can get the interest when you move out, or ask the property owner to apply it to your next rent payment. If a property owner offers you a lease, read it carefully before signing it.
Leases, which typically run for one year, are binding legal contracts. A tenancy-at-will agreement, which can be written or verbal, gives you the opportunity to move out after giving the property owner a proper day written notice. It also allows the property owner to ask you to leave or increase your rent with a proper day written notice.
A lease offers you more security but a tenancy-at-will is more flexible. Read any agreement completely before signing it and keep a copy for your records. If a property owner wants to evict you, they must end your tenancy with the proper written notice, and file a summary process action in court.
Ultimately, only a judge can evict you. How to respond to an eviction. Make sure you respond to any court documents you receive.
If you do not show up to defend yourself in court, you will most likely lose by default. If you have any more questions, or need help, please contact the Office of Housing Stability.
A Boston Ordinance gives some protections to tenants in rental buildings in Boston with four or more units that are being converted to condominiums. Some buildings are exempt, like federal buildings and college dorms. Property owners may convert their buildings into condos, but they must follow certain eviction procedures:. The property owner generally isn't responsible for damage to your belongings, so consider getting Renters Insurance.
The property owner cannot charge you rent while your apartment is unlivable. Neighborhood Services works with the Red Cross to help people displaced by a fire. The Red Cross will often give hotel vouchers that are good for a few nights. There are a few situations where you may consider withholding your rent payment. This includes if the property owner refuses to make repairs AND :. The property owner has to give your deposits to the new owner.
If they do not, you can sue for up to three times of the amount of the deposits. The new property owner is still responsible for your deposits even if they didn't get them from the previous owner. A building may be exempt from these rules if it is being foreclosed.
Be considerate of your neighbors. Having loud parties late at night, or cranking up the music may lead to complaints, and eventually to eviction.
Before entering into a rental agreement, check out the condition of the apartment. If you cannot, have a friend do it for you and inform the property owner of any noted conditions. You do not want to be charged for damage that was already there before you moved in! You are entitled to an apartment that is in compliance with local and State Sanitary and Building Codes. Violations should be reported to your property owner , preferably in writing. If they do not make the necessary repairs, call Inspectional Services at You probably invested more in personal property than you realize.
Computers, iPods, TVs, clothing, jewelry, cell phones, and furniture would be expensive to replace after a fire or theft. Renters insurance is a good idea, and can be affordable. If you have a lease, you will likely be responsible for paying the entire rent if a roommate moves out, so try to find reliable roommates.
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