All Forum Posts by: Conor Meehan

@Account Closed - that makes sense and seems to be the way to go.  I'll be sure to be clear.  The mass landlord laws are a lot to digest for a newbie like me - thank you! 

I'm wondering the best/standard/legal way to charge new tenants for heating oil in Massachusetts and how to incorporate that into the lease. 

Is it best to charge tenants for oil in the tank upon move-in and then reimburse or charge for the difference upon move-out?  Is this legal? (law only allows to charge for 1st, last, security dep and lock fee, but also allows you to have the tenant pay separate utilities if written in the lease).

Or is it better to agree on the amount in the tank upon move in and require them to leave at least that much or pay the difference when they move out?  My worry with charging them at the end of the term is you're more likely to have to chase the money down as they leave.   Can you legally take it out of their security deposit if you write it in the lease?  

Thanks for any advice.

Thanks @Dave Visaya @Moshe H. and @Juan Reyes for welcoming me!  I've really been enjoy BP and learning so much from the forums and the podcasts.  Moshe - Congrats on your property in North Adams!  There is a great energy there and a lot of investment coming in w/ MoCA and the Greylock Mill and it seems like a great place to get a solid return and a great community to be a part of.  I've been in touch with @Robin First and she's been helpful.  I'm also looking in Pittsfield, which is going through it's own revitalization with investments in it's downtown and "cultural district."  A lot of 20 and 30 somethings moving back to the area and contributing to this scene.  I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions - Thanks again! 

Thanks! @Veni F. - great to see these resources in one place

Hello everyone,

I'm new to BP and have been enjoying learning a ton from the site and podcasts. I'm a full time musician in NYC and am looking to buy a rental property in Berkshire County (Western MA), which is where I'm from and also where I eventually want to settle down. The folks I've reached out to here have been incredibly helpful and I look forward to connecting with others. I'd love to hear from more people who have experience investing in the Western MA region and from other musicians who have experience in REI. Cheers!