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Letter from the Executive Director for June 2023: Monthly Pricing?

Posted on June 1st, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for June 2023 asks whether we should allow new members to join on a monthly basis. We also review the changing policy landscape.

New Tenancies After May 12 Must Include Notice to Renters About Safe Housing Rights

First Published May 31st, 2023 | Updated June 14th, 2023 Posted in News - 12 Comments

This shows a cropped section of the new state-issued Notice of Occupants’ Legal Rights and Responsibilities against a red background. The section reads: “Your Right to Safe and Healthy Housing and Protection from Retaliation. If you think that conditions in your home are unsafe or unsanitary and may violate the Housing Code, you should contact your local health department. They will conduct free inspections of your home and will order your landlord to fix any violations of the Housing Code. You can find contact information for your local health department by calling your city or town hall or visiting their website. City/town websites are listed at: mass.gov/lists/Massachusetts-city-and-town-websites. Your landlord is not allowed to raise your rent or try to evict you just because you have made a complaint to them or to the local health department about the violations. This is called retaliation, and you may be able to sue the landlord for damages if this happens (M.G.L. c186, s.18 and c.239, s.2A).

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires all tenants to be notified about their rights to safe housing; however, as worded, the notice does not benefit landlords or renters.

Three Years After Covid Shutdowns, Same Problems Still Frustrate the Rental Assistance Application Process

Posted on May 30th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

a man with a white moustache, wearing a blue baseball cap, blue t-shirt and white shorts, stands in front of a modern brick apartment building with “CVC” stenciled on an awning, manicured lawn and trimmed bushes, on a sunny day.

While some improvements have been made with the RAFT application process, delays and lack of communication and transparency continue to frustrate applicants.

Statewide Virtual Meeting Mon Jun 26th: Civil Process Serving for Eviction and New Housing Court Standing Orders

First Published May 27th, 2023 | Updated November 9th, 2024 Posted in events - 1 Comment

Statewide Virtual Meeting Mon Jun 26th: Civil Process Serving for Eviction and New Housing Court Standing Orders

Should You Take Last Month’s Rent at Lease Signing?

Posted on May 26th, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

This is a close up of two people in dress shirts shaking hands in an office setting. The person on the left wears a blue dress shirt, the one on the right wears a white dress shirt. Their hands take up most of the image.

The law entitles landlords to collect the last month’s rent when a new tenancy begins, but should you? If you do, what rules must you follow?

Eviction Sealing Hearing Held May 9 at State House

First Published May 25th, 2023 | Updated December 5th, 2024 Posted in News - 2 Comments

A view from the State Housing hearing camera looks down on a packed hearing room with thin commercial carpet, wood table and four chairs for testimony. Two chairs are occupied, at left by Senator Edwards in a sleeveless dress and at right by Greg Vasil in a suit with bow tie. Behind them are four rows of benches full of people waiting to speak and a line of people standing at the back of the room.

Find out what happened at the State House hearing on eviction sealing held May 9, 2023.

Northern Worcester County Landlord Association Fitchburg Dinner Meeting Thu Jun 8th: Non-payment & Attorney Burrell

Posted on May 19th, 2023 Posted in events - 1 Comment

Northern Worcester County Landlord Association Fitchburg Dinner Meeting Thu Jun 8th: Non-payment & Attorney Burrell

Southern Worcester County Landlord Association Southbridge Dinner Meeting Mon Jun 5th: Members and Advertisers Appreciation Cookout

First Published May 19th, 2023 | Updated May 30th, 2023 Posted in events - 0 Comments

Southern Worcester County Landlord Association Southbridge Dinner Meeting Mon Jun 5th: Members and Advertisers Appreciation Cookout

Can Landlords Refuse Cash and Require Check or Electronic Rent Payments?

Posted on May 16th, 2023 Posted in News - 4 Comments

A black leather wallet is open against a pale blue background. Multiple hundred dollar bills are peeking over the edge of the section of the wallet designed to hold cash.

Massachusetts law says retail establishments cannot refuse to take cash, but can landlords require other methods of payment?

Statewide Webinar Fri Jun 23rd: Security Deposits, Last Month’s Rent and Move-in Monies

First Published May 15th, 2023 | Updated November 9th, 2024 Posted in events - 3 Comments

Statewide Webinar Fri Jun 23rd: Security Deposits, Last Month's Rent and Move-in Monies