Boston tenant rights

September 16 to June 14, and at least 64 degrees all other hours. Homes are also supposed to be rodent- and cockroach-free if there are two or more apartments in a building. Landlords, too, are responsible for snow removal at multifamilies. Heat always on the fritz? Place chronically infested? Structural damage? If a tenant believes that a rental is not habitable under the State Sanitary Code—and they can document it—they have a right to contact the landlord immediately. That contact should be in writing, complete with the date, and the tenant should retain a copy.

It can be an email or it can be a letter—certified is best, to prove receipt. Technically, the landlord is not suppose to collect rent while a place is uninhabitable.

In fact, state law allows tenants to withhold all or some of the rent after such a written appeal for repairs and other fixes, such as sending the exterminator to take care of vermin. But that withheld rent will have to be paid following repairs. You can move out early if you qualify for the above emergency repairs-and-deductions move.

There are caveats, however: Tenants are still responsible for the fair rental value for the time they occupied the apartment; and your early exit must be done in a reasonable amount of time—no lingering. The commonwealth provides a solid online clearinghouse of tenant rights , including links to relevant statutes.

This state program— Residential Assistance for Families in Transition —is meant to prevent homelessness by providing short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The state has added millions to RAFT in the wake of coronavirus. The AG also runs down the rights of tenants in easily searchable fashion. The State Sanitary Code. This exhaustive code defines and explains what makes a decent apartment in Massachusetts. If you think your unit is cross-metered, you can file a complaint.

We'll do a follow-up inspection and give your landlord a citation if there is cross-metering. We'll also give you a copy of the citation. You have 60 days to mail a copy to your utility company and get a refund. File a cross-metering complaint. Skip to Main Content. Main menu. COVID information. You are here. Tenant rights and responsibilities Toggle.

Still have questions? 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. Whether you are looking for an apartment online or in person, always get confirmation that you are dealing with the property owner or a legal representative. You can check the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds site to see who the owner is.

You can check if a broker has a valid license on the State broker registry site. Anyone can make a website and use fake photos. Watch out for apartments listed at below-rental market rates and short-term furnished apartments. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. You can check average rental rates on websites like rentbits.

If you think you have been scammed, file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General. You can also visit the Federal Trade Commission website for more information on scams. The Office of Housing Stability can help property owners and tenants with housing issues. If you have questions, contact them at , or email rentalhousing boston.

Housing Inspectors make sure apartments in the City are up to state and federal sanitary codes. If you have a problem with your apartment and the property owner will not fix it, call Inspectional Services at Skip to Main Content. Main menu. COVID information. You are here. Know your rights when you rent in Boston Property owners and tenants, including students who rent in Boston, have to follow certain rental rules in the City. Still have questions? Neighborhood Development. Boston , MA Security deposits and other fees.

What you can be charged Property owners can ask for deposits and fees before a tenant moves in. Broker fees Brokers can charge fees on top of property owner fees. This would only happen if there was a clause in your lease about it.

The receipt must show: how much you paid and the date you paid how the property owner will use your last month's rent who took the payment a description of your apartment how much interest will be paid each year on the amount, and a forwarding address where the property owner can send the interest.

Leases vs. Tenancy-at-will agreement 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.