Condominiums, Housing Court, Ice Dams, Insurance Claims, Landlord Tenant, Property Damage | Leave a Comment on The Ice Dam Cometh – Ice Dams and the Law in Massachusetts

The Ice Dam Cometh – Ice Dams and the Law in Massachusetts

By Robert Nislick It seems that no one has been spared as this historic winter continues to wreak havoc on Massachusetts homeowners, business owners, landlords, tenants, condominium trustees, condominium unit owners, and property managers. Roofs are collapsing under the heavy weight of snow and ice. Problems with insulation and ventilation in our buildings are causingContinue reading The Ice Dam Cometh – Ice Dams and the Law in Massachusetts

93A, Consumer Protection, Landlord Tenant, Litigation | Leave a Comment on Responding to a Chapter 93A Demand Letter

Responding to a Chapter 93A Demand Letter

By Robert Nislick You are a Massachusetts businessperson. Perhaps you are a landlord, a contractor, a builder, a real estate broker, or a storeowner. Someone you have done business with is upset with you. One day you receive a letter from an attorney, or from the person directly. The letter may state that is aContinue reading Responding to a Chapter 93A Demand Letter

Evictions, Housing Court, Landlord Tenant, Summary Process, Trespass | Leave a Comment on Unauthorized Occupants and Illegal Subletting in Massachusetts

Unauthorized Occupants and Illegal Subletting in Massachusetts

By Robert Nislick You are a Massachusetts landlord who has leased your property to a tenant. You have contracted with only one person. The tenant never told you that anyone else would be living in the apartment. You never agreed that anyone else could live in the unit except the tenant. One day you discoverContinue reading Unauthorized Occupants and Illegal Subletting in Massachusetts

Commercial Evictions, Housing Court, Landlord Tenant, Summary Process | Leave a Comment on What Happens if the Tenant Doesn’t Show Up to Court

What Happens if the Tenant Doesn’t Show Up to Court

Default Judgments in Massachusetts Summary Process Actions By Robert Nislick You are a Massachusetts residential landlord or commercial landlord. You have properly terminated the defendant’s tenancy for nonpayment of rent or for cause. You have properly served the tenant with a Summary Process (Eviction) Summons and Complaint.  You have properly entered your residential eviction actionContinue reading What Happens if the Tenant Doesn’t Show Up to Court

Housing Court, Landlord Tenant, Rent Escrow, Summary Process | Leave a Comment on Rent Escrow During the Massachusetts Eviction Process

Rent Escrow During the Massachusetts Eviction Process

By Robert Nislick Many Massachusetts landlords have encountered a tenant who has exploited the landlord in the following manner. The tenant has fallen behind on the rent. The landlord needs to get paid. The landlord serves a 14-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent. Almost immediately, the tenant calls Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD),Continue reading Rent Escrow During the Massachusetts Eviction Process

93A, Housing Court, Landlord Tenant, Summary Process | Leave a Comment on Can the Landlord Enter the Tenant’s Apartment

Can the Landlord Enter the Tenant’s Apartment

By Robert Nislick Massachusetts landlords frequently ask whether they can enter their tenant’s rental unit during the term of the lease. The landlord may have many valid reasons for wanting to enter the apartment. Oftentimes, a tenant’s lease will be up soon, the landlord has decided not to renew the lease, and the landlord wantsContinue reading Can the Landlord Enter the Tenant’s Apartment

Evictions, Housing Court, Landlord Tenant, Notice to Quit, Summary Process, Tenant | 5 Comments on Evicting the Holdover Tenant Who Does Not Leave After Lease Ends

Evicting the Holdover Tenant Who Does Not Leave After Lease Ends

By Robert Nislick You are a Massachusetts landlord. You leased an apartment to a tenant. The lease ended.  The tenant did not leave. How do you get rid of the holdover tenant and get your property back? Some landlords believe that you can file the summary process action as soon as the lease is over,Continue reading Evicting the Holdover Tenant Who Does Not Leave After Lease Ends

Commercial Evictions, Landlord Tenant | 1 Comment on Commercial Evictions in Massachusetts

Commercial Evictions in Massachusetts

By Robert Nislick Commercial landlords must be vigilant to make sure that their tenants pay on time and in full.  If a commercial tenant misses a payment or pays late, that is often a sign of bad things to come.  The tenant’s business may be failing.  He has no money coming in, and now heContinue reading Commercial Evictions in Massachusetts