NEED HELP! Tenant is threatening another tenant of mine

[James Mackenzie]

I own a small 4-unit property south of Boston that is all subsidized housing and all tenant-at-wills. I’ll refer to each tenant based on the unit they live in.

Recently, the boyfriend of my Unit 4 tenant (bf not on original lease) threatened my Unit 2 tenant with a weapon. The boyfriend was arrested and later released on bond. The bf and Unit 4 tenant have continued threats to my Unit 2 tenant and will not stop.

What is the best course of action I can take? Some people have mentioned that bringing this issue up to the housing authority for Unit 4 will do nothing. Do I just start the eviction process instead?

[Matt Devincenzo]

You tell unit 2 tenant to initiate a protective order through the courts. Assuming there aren't current Covid protection orders that would bar you from doing so, I would also give unit 4 tenant and BF notice to vacate. You may also be able to immediately prohibit unit 4 BF from being on the premises since he isn't a tenant...you should check on what would be required by local police to enforce a trespass order if he were there...and then pursue obtaining that documentation.

Ultimately I would minimize what it is I do in this situation and maximize the court/police involvement. Mostly due to the need for them to enforce if he violates their orders.