All Forum Posts by: Steve Nowak

I agree that the tenants will ultimately suffer the most, through higher rents.

Are other Massachusetts landlord's aware of proposed changes to the state sanitary code?   The changes would require an "Integrated Pest Management Plan" for certain properties, add new requirements for Landlord to prevent mold, etc.

Laws about handling a tenant's abandoned property vary by state.  Here's information for Virginia.

If the lease indicates that use of a washer/dryer is included in the rent, then the landlord has to honor the lease.  Or, if you have proof of any communication from the landlord indicating the same, then you might have some recourse.

Okay, point taken. 

 Should be notified, yes, I agree.   But whether it's legally or contractually required is a different matter.        

You should definitely indicate somewhere on the lease who is authorized to reside on the property.  You might also want to consider a separate co-signer agreement or addendum.   Here's just one example.   That example makes it clear that the landlord is not required to notify the co-signer if the tenant is in default.  A requirement to serve notice to the co-signer of a default can delay an eviction process.

I have and love pets, but after renting to a couple whose cat or dog urinated on and ruined my carpet, I switched to a no-pet policy.  If I ever change the policy and allow a tenant to have a pet, I would do so only after the tenant has been renting from me for at least 6 months, so I would have a sense of how responsible the tenant is.  I would have a very strict pet addendum, and visit the property periodically to check on the tenant's compliance with it.  My state doesn't allow pet deposits, so I would increase the rent to cover increased wear and tear.

Check out this article about whether or not Massachusetts landlords can require that their tenants have insurance:

http://massrealestatelawblog.com/2012/03/15/can-ma...

Sorry to hear that.  I am sure other members can help determine what type of professional to contact, but if the tenants' kitchen becomes unusable, then I would definitely give a rebate.   Depending on the laws in your state, they might be legally entitled to it, plus it's a show of good faith.  

Good luck, and I hope the issue gets resolved quickly without too much expense.