Credit Report Fee for Tenant in Massachusetts

[Steve Candor]

Okay so I know I can't charge a fee for this in MA (so stupid) HOWEVER can I have an intermediary charge a fee?

For example can I tell them I only accept credit reports done by a specific company? I don't want to pay for the credit report for tenants and I don't want them supplying me their own report. 

[Shaun Reilly]

@Georges A. I agree with @Steve Candor 's citations an interpretation of an "application" fee.  I wouldn't do it!

However I have seen people charge an "administrative" fee.  Subtle I know, but there is case law saying application fees are a no no.

This administrative fee terminology was blessed supposedly by multiple attorneys and Coakley's office.

In a different approach I have heard several arguments that you could use a service such as SmartMoves to have the tenants basically buy their own report and provide you access.  Difference than charging them then running the credit is that they buy it themselves and they can use it multiple times with any place they apply too.