Can I Sue My Landlord in Massachusetts?

Can I Sue My Landlord in Massachusetts?

Landlord and Tenant

While many people assume that they must be subservient to their landlords, this simply is not the case. Massachusetts law offers tenants a strong degree of protection, and you can pursue legal action against your landlord if they are not adhering to these laws. Remember, landlords have many responsibilities when it comes to serving you, the tenant. You do not need to simply sit back and accept mistreatment from your landlord. When you enlist the help of a qualified attorney, you can make sure your rights are being respected as a tenant.

Improperly Entering Your Residence

Your home should be a private space where no one else is allowed to enter without permission. If your landlord has a habit of entering the rental unit without a good reason, they are violating the regulations set forth by the state of Massachusetts. The only acceptable reasons for entry include repairs, inspections, showing the property to new tenants, and other tasks of that nature. In some cases, you may be able to sue for invasion of privacy.

Evicting You Without Following Proper Procedure

There are specific legal steps that a landlord must follow if they plan to evict you. If they fail to follow these steps, they are in violation of landlord-tenant laws, and you may be able to pursue legal action against them.

Failing to Give You Back Your Security Deposit

 Security deposits are a common source of grievance for many tenants in Massachusetts. A landlord is legally obliged to give you back your security deposit as outlined in your rental agreement. If you take your landlord to court, you may be awarded two to three times the amount of your original security deposit.

Negligence

If you can prove that your landlord was negligent over the course of your rental agreement, you may be able to take legal action against them. There are many examples of negligence, but what this generally means is that the landlord failed to provide you with a healthy, safe living space. Here are some reasons why a landlord might be guilty of negligence:

  • The water quality is not fit for human consumption
  • They failed to make repairs to the property, and this made it an unsafe living space
  • The landlord did not deal with disease-bearing pests such as mice or insects
  • They failed to reimburse you for expenses you incurred in order to deal with any safety or health concerns

The Rental Agreement

Although there are many situations that may result in legal action against the landlord, your first step should be to examine the rental agreement. An experienced attorney can help you review your rental agreement so that you can spot any potential violations. Both you and your landlord signed the agreement, so it is a legally-binding document to which you both must adhere.

Sending a Demand Letter

Before taking legal action against your landlord, it is important that you send them a demand letter. Your attorney can help you draft this letter in a proper manner. The demand letter notifies the landlord of the issues at hand, and it also informs them that legal action will be taken against them if the matter is not resolved.

Getting Legal Help

Everyone deserves to live in a space free from stress and mistreatment. Reach out to the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty, and we will fight for your tenants’ rights. Call us now at 413-732-8356