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The Power of Chapter 93A: An Airbnb Case Study Crossing State and National Borders

First Published July 26th, 2022 | Updated April 28th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A UK-style smoke detector base hangs from a ceiling by a live wire. There is no detector on the base.

A case study showing how a renter used Massachusetts General Law Chapter 93A to obtain a large settlement from Airbnb and an out-of-state landlord.

Deadly Fire Prompts City of Worcester to Propose Rental Property Registry and Inspection Ordinance

First Published July 25th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

This image is a partial screenshot of the meeting minutes from the Worcester City Council meeting on June 7, 2022. The snippet reads: 9.15, Department of Inspectional Services, Administration, Christopher P. Spencer, Commissioner. A. Recommend adoption of two ordinances regarding joint programs of the Fire Department and Department of Inspectional Services with regard to a Rental Registry Program. In green, the meeting minutes added after the meeting read: Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up with item #20f CC. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to refer the items to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee.

If the ordinances pass, landlords must register their properties and have regular inspections, or face hefty fines

Landlording by the Numbers August 2022

Posted on July 22nd, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Help! My Tenant Wants to Use My Rental for Their Business

First Published July 15th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 4 Comments

This is a cartoon image of a tan house with gray shutters sitting on a lawn. The roof of the house is coming off, and bubbles can be seen pouring out, down the side of the house, and onto the lawn, where a very dirty puppy sits happily, also covered in bubbles. A sign out front reads “Nancy’s Laundromat and Dog Grooming.”

Your tenant wants to sell something from their rental, run a daycare, start growing plants. Should you let them?

Somerville Ends Eviction Moratorium; Sets Rules for Tenancy Rights Notifications

First Published July 14th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A view of the Somerville City Hall, a multi-story brick building with white trim and a clock tower

Amendments to the city’s Housing Stability Notification Act go into effect July 13, 2022; eviction moratorium ends June 30.

Landlording by the Numbers July 2022

Posted on July 5th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Should You 1099-MISC a “Cash for Keys”?

First Published July 3rd, 2022 | Updated July 15th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Is owed rent being forgiven without a cash payment? If so, you have the option to issue 1099-C. If not, then will the relocation payment be less than rents received? If so, then you have the option either to refund rent or issue 1099-MISC. If not, then you must issue 1099-MISC for the excess over refunded rent.

Should you issue an IRS form 1099 for a cash for keys relocation payment to help a renter find more suitable housing?

Senate Bill 192 S2944 would Reform Civil Asset Forfeiture in Massachusetts

First Published July 1st, 2022 | Updated July 15th, 2024 Posted in News, policy - 0 Comments

A sheriff stands atop a small home holding a sign that reads “mine.”

Civil asset forfeiture in Massachusetts is currently the easiest way in the United States for an innocent property owner to lose their property. Senate bill S2944 would reform the process.

Letter from the Executive Director for July 2022

Posted on July 1st, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for July 2022 recaps the changes that June brought to the fore, including record inflation and a big interest rate increase. This spells trouble for those of us who oppose rent control.

Landlords: Don’t Invest Your Security Deposits in Bitcoin

First Published June 30th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

This image is of a graph showing Bitcoin’s value fluctuation over one day. The trademark symbol for Bitcoin is superimposed over the graph.

A Massachusetts landlord reportedly invested a security deposit in cryptocurrency and tried to pass the loss on to their tenant.