Blog - MassLandlords.net

No Mow May – A Proposal for Massachusetts Property Owners to Help Protect Pollinators

Posted on May 18th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Picture closeup of a bee pollinating broccoli plants.

MassLandlords staff recommend the adoption of a resolution to join the No Mow May initiative to help protect pollinators’ habitats.

Boston’s Lack of Transparency Weakens the Democratic Process

Posted on May 16th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A view of the corner of Boston City Hall, shot from below. A series of recent headlines about the city’s various legal battles is superimposed over the photograph of the building.

A recent SCOTUS decision and actions at the Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee sheds light on uneven practices; public records requests show transparency is not a strong suit for the city.

Landlording by the Numbers May 2022

Posted on May 2nd, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Letter from the Executive Director for May 2022: Interviews, The State Seal and Coat of Arms

Posted on April 27th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for May 2022 recaps April’s housing journalism and education, new educational events, and tough buyer’s market.

A Landlord’s Guide to Record Keeping and Handling Tenant Information

Posted on April 26th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

a cartoon of a businessman sitting behind a desk piled high with files and papers. His hands are in the air, and papers are flying around. Meanwhile, a robber with a bag labeled “data” sneaks away.

How to understand Massachusetts laws surrounding personal information, and how to keep tenant records securely

Gentle Density Increases Nearby Property Values, Evidence Shows, Contrary to Popular Belief

Posted on April 20th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A photo of a city street active with pedestrians and a mix of retail stores, restaurants, multi-families and mid-rise apartment buildings.

Against persistent and widespread belief that housing density harms property values, numerous studies show the opposite effect.

Boston Stalls on Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee (RSAC) Public Records Request

Posted on April 15th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

An iPad sits on a table showing a page from the City of Boston website. The page title is “Members of Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee Announced.” The date is March 11, 2022. Derivative of image licensed by Unsplash.

MassLandlords filed a public records request March 28, 2022, to demonstrate how the Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee (RSAC) was formed. The request was neither extended nor fulfilled.

A Landlord’s Guide to Rental Management and Hiring a Property Manager

Updated May 3rd, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A family consisting of a husband, wife and young son, along with their dog, stand on a sidewalk next to a multi-story residential building which is cut off at the edge of the image. A cityscape with construction is in the background. A red sign in front of the building reads “For Rent, Bay State Management Co., 508-555-5555.”

How to research, vet and hire a rental manager or property management company

Rent Payments: Review of All Rental Software to Collect Rent Online

Posted on April 6th, 2022 Posted in News - 1 Comment

A hand reaches toward a laptop screen and out pops money. Licensed 123rf.

This guide reviews all rent payment and rental software available to collect rent online. Over 40 automatic rent systems reviewed and updated regularly.

Landlording by the Numbers April 2022

Updated May 2nd, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Infographic: Landlording By the Numbers. What’s up, what’s down? What’s in, what’s out? This monthly feature is a brief statistical snapshot of the landlording and housing industries. 30 days. Required for serving a Notice to Quit for nonpayment in Massachusetts. This required period was raised from 14 days in 2020 as part of the economic response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 30-day requirement remains in effect. $2,381. The difference in average apartment rents between Boston and Springfield, Mass. (reported by rentcafe, August 2021). 3rd highest. The rank of Massachusetts in terms of rent prices, among 56 U.S. states and territories. 19%. Percentage increase in average rents in Massachusetts year-over-year in October 2021. (Apartmentguide.com)