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All Towns Laws for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Massachusetts

First Published January 31st, 2024 | Updated March 25th, 2024

Here is a conventional residential structure with pitched roof, a front door and two front windows. Attached to the left side of it is a small addition with a hip roof and a second front door.

Which municipalities allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and under what conditions? Our list of Massachusetts ADU laws is comprehensive and updated by readers.

Landlords in Mass. Sued for Discrimination Following Watchdog Sting Operation

Posted on March 25th, 2024 Posted in News - 1 Comment

A screen shot of part of a text conversation between a housing provider and a prospective tenant. The first message reads “Hello Gwen, Sure! I’m showing the unit today at 3 pm. Would you and your husband by available to stop by? If not, what other day and time would work for you? The unit is available for 09/01/23, would that work for you?” The reply reads “Yes, that works. I will try to swing by today at 3 pm. I also wanted to follow up and ask if this unit accepts Section 8 housing vouchers?” The reply from the housing provider reads “Unfortunately, vouchers are not allowed for this building. So sorry!”

Twenty housing providers reportedly turned down applicants for claiming to have Section 8 housing vouchers, an unlawful action in Massachusetts.

Phone Screening Prompt Sheet

First Published February 7th, 2014 | Updated March 22nd, 2024

The top right corner of our phone screening form provides a year-month-day format to document calls and voicemails. This form has handwriting indicating two calls and two voicemails were left over a two-day period, followed by a no-show for an in-person appointment.

Our MassLandlords phone screening prompt sheet has been edited and updated to provide members with a set of phone interview questions that will help you choose the best possible tenant for your rental.

Filings Month Ending 2024 February 29

Posted on March 14th, 2024

Massachusetts Eviction Data and Housing Court Statistics: Filings Month Ending 2024 February 29

Outcomes for July 2022

Posted on March 14th, 2024

Massachusetts Eviction Data and Housing Court Statistics: Outcomes for July 2022 filings

National Flood Insurance Program to Expire March 8 at Midnight

First Published February 21st, 2024 | Updated March 12th, 2024 Posted in News - 1 Comment

A computer-generated map shows different degrees of flood risk for Westfield, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas. Areas with a 1% chance of annual flood hazards are highlighted in blue.

Congress must reauthorize the NFIP to avoid lapses in flood insurance sales and renewals.

Natural Disasters Cause Spike in Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums

Posted on March 6th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A raging wildfire behind a hilly area of California nearly blocks out the sun with large clouds of smoke.

As insurance companies struggle to cover billions in damages from wildfires, storms and floods, premiums increase exponentially. Homeowners bear the cost.