All Forum Posts by: Steve Nowak

I wouldn't recommend an illegal clause in the Lease. You may want to consider a clause that says something like this: "Tenant understands that any court judgements or collection accounts related to tenants's default on rent payments could adversely impact tenant's credit rating and ability to rent or purchase property in the future."

Here's a good article from a Massachusetts attorney: http://www.malawforum.com/content/how-evict-tenant-massachusetts. The takeaway: a Notice to Quit is needed, and using a constable is recommend.

I am not sure...so many people in their twenties are saddled with student debt and can't get mortgages. I don't see that changing anytime soon.

I don't plan to require a security deposit going forward from future tenants. My understanding is that the security deposit law is designed primarily to protect the tenant, not to protect a landlord's property, and it's too easy to make an unintentional mistep. For example, when retaining all or part of a deposit, a landlord has to sign a statement that specifically says, "under the pains and penalties of perjury." Also, the statement of condition needs to be in 12 point bold face font type.

I might instead require last month's rent. Or nothing other than first month's rent.

The fee is what stood out for me as well. Question: Experian has a service where a prospective tenant provides a landlord online access to his/her credit report, by paying Experian directly. Is it legal to use such a service in MA? The landlord doesn't collect any money for it.

The 1 BR condo I rent is small, and even if my Tenants kept the place sparkling clean, they have a lot of "stuff", and having the place shown while they are still occupying it will just accentuate the lack of storage space. I just price my property accordingly, understanding that there may be a two to four week period each year when the property goes unrented.

Thanks for the tips. The property is in Quincy, in walking distance to public transportation and shopping areas. Btw, my Tenants told me that they may be able to finish the lease after all. But I''ll probably need to find new tenants for September.

yes, both are still obligated to the terms of the lease they signed.

Any tips on marketing a 1 BR condo for rent? Is there an ideal demographic I should be targeting? It's an updated condo in well maintained community, close to Boston. The market is said to be favorable to Landlords.

Background: I started renting out my 1 BR condo in August 2012. First tenants were an unmarried couple in their early twenties. They broke up mid-lease; one left and one stayed through the 12 months. Second Tenants are also an unmarried couple in their early twenties. Due to financial hardship, after 7 months they asked to be released early.

I know 1 bedrooms can be more challenging to rent, and when they are rented, tenants typically don't stay more than a year.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I had a clause in the lease with my previous tenants stating that they were responsible for changing the filters. They did change them as agreed, but they also did a lot of damage to the property, which might have been prevented if I had made regular visits. Now I have new tenants, and will change the filters myself each quarter.