Blog - MassLandlords.net

Federal Lead and Healthy Homes Program Provides Funding for Deleading Rental Properties

Posted on January 26th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

This is a close-up photograph of gray lead paint peeling off a wall in large chunks, exposing the brown surface underneath.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development will reimburse thousands for lead paint remediation through cities making use of their grant-funded Healthy Homes Program.

London vs. Boston Rentals: How Residential Tech Differs U.K.-U.S.

Posted on January 25th, 2023 Posted in News - 3 Comments

The vent feels cheap and leaky. When wind blows past it, the fins spin fast and make a gentle whir.

How does a Boston rental compare to a London flat? What residential technology is different in the U.K. vs the U.S. and is it better or worse?

Should You Carry Over or Return a Security Deposit With a Lease Renewal?

Posted on January 23rd, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

This is a composite image of part of the MassLandlords security deposit receipt form, filled out for the fictional Rita Renter to Leslie Landlord. On top of the form, obscuring most of it, is a generic green check written out to Leslie Landlord for $1800. The memo line reads “new security deposit.”

If your tenant is renewing their lease, when can you leave the existing security deposit in place, and when should you return it and take a new one?

We Need Your Help to File 11 Pro-Housing Bills

Posted on January 10th, 2023 Posted in News, policy - 3 Comments

We’ve drafted nearly a dozen reforms to improve the quality of rental housing in Massachusetts for housing providers and renters alike.

We Asked for Your Opinion on Our Services – You Answered

Posted on January 9th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Thank you for your responses to the survey of MassLandlords services as part of our annual election.

Landlording by the Numbers January 2023

Posted on January 3rd, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

Letter from the Executive Director for January 2023: A New Legislative Session

Posted on January 2nd, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for January 2023 looks back at December’s progress and looks ahead at what 2023 might bring.

Inflation Reduction Act Now in Effect – How Will it Impact Landlords and Housing?

First Published December 29th, 2022 | Updated January 23rd, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

A close up photo of a heat pump exterior unit sitting in mulch next to the outside wall of a house, showing part of a brick foundation and house siding.

The recently signed Inflation Reduction Act will provide billions of dollars to help landlords transition away from fossil fuel energy.

Is it Legal to Charge Pet Rent or a Pet Deposit for Tenants with Animals?

Posted on December 23rd, 2022 Posted in News - 2 Comments

This is a cartoon of a cheerful white puppy dog with mud on its paws sitting in an apartment with blue walls and hardwood floors. The door behind him has a hole in it from chewing, and the trim around the doors is chewed up. Mud is all over the floor.

Case law in Massachusetts suggests pet rent is probably okay, but a separate pet deposit may be unlawful.

MassLandlords Annual Election Results 2022: Sabadosa, Landers

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

The histogram for the Board election results shows boxes of various size for Russell Sabadosa, Jo Landers and write-in candidates. The boxes could be as wide as would cover the space from 0 “strongly oppose” to 5 “strongly support.” The boxes for Jo and Russell are almost exactly the same size and cover the area of the graph between 3 and 5, indicating widespread support. The write-in box is more than twice as wide covering the area from 0 to 5, indicating write-ins were both strongly supported and strongly opposed, depending on who they were.

The 2022 election results are out! This article covers who won the 2022 election, who ran, and how you can get involved for next time.