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Parking Agreement (Fixed Term)

Posted on October 16th, 2025

A close-up of pavement shows parking spaces indicated by yellow lines with yellow numbers. Spaces number 4 and 6 are visible. Licensed Claudio Schwarz for Unsplash.

Members can download a rental agreement to rent a parking space in Massachusetts, separate from any residential tenancy.

Storage Agreement (Fixed Term)

Posted on October 16th, 2025

A brightly lit storage area with wood paneling and wood shelves contains a painting, a table, skis, a bicycle, some wire metal shelves, two cardbox boxes and personal effects.

Members can download a rental agreement to rent a storage space or a garage in Massachusetts, separate from any residential tenancy.

Spooky Story: The Legend of Security Deposit Hollow

First Published October 31st, 2021 | Updated October 15th, 2025 Posted in laws, policy - 1 Comment

A carved jack-o-lantern against a black background is lit from within by a candle that makes its face glow orange. The pumpkin has a scary expression, with narrowed eyes and an open mouth full of pointy teeth. Above the pumpkin, the words “Triple Damages” in a creepy font appear in white, with white smoke surrounding them.

The Legend of Security Deposit Hollow is a tale of triple damages from good faith errors with a Massachusetts security deposit.

Water Submetering

First Published February 25th, 2019 | Updated October 8th, 2025

A guide to billing renters for water in Massachusetts. Includes submetering but also applies to single family buildings.

Which Tenant Screening Service Is Best?

First Published July 21st, 2014 | Updated October 7th, 2025 Posted in tenant screening - 68 Comments

A review of tenant screening services for credit and criminal background checks, with recommendations and warnings about Massachusetts limitations.

The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy.

First Published August 21st, 2025 | Updated October 3rd, 2025

The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy takes unbuildable land to help native species and biodiversity, helping landlords and residents.

Election Nominations

First Published November 25th, 2019 | Updated October 1st, 2025

Nominate someone for the MassLandlords Board of Directors or the Good Neighbor Award.

Forcing Tenants to Pay Brokers’ Fees is Already Illegal, No New Legislation Needed

First Published February 26th, 2025 | Updated October 1st, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Screen shot of MGL Ch. 186 s. 15B(1)(B), which enumerates the four fees that a landlord may collect from a tenant at or before tenancy has begun.

The illegal practice of landlords charging new tenants brokers’ fees could be addressed with a little enforcement of current laws.

“Broker Fee Ban” Signed into Law via Budget; Zillow Application Fees Apparently Banned

First Published July 16th, 2025 | Updated September 30th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

FY 2026 Budget Conference Committee. About this step. The House and Senate appoint three members each to a "Conference Committee" to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate proposals. One member of the minority party must be appointed by each branch. The Conference Committee reports a final compromise bill to the House and Senate for a final vote of acceptance in each branch. Conference Report H.4240 Download PDF.

The Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2026 budget enacted a new change to broker fees for rental housing, sometimes called a broker fee ban. We review it and answer frequently asked questions.

Home Depot Pro Xtra Members Get Free Shipping to Home or Job Sites

First Published September 29th, 2025 | Updated September 30th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

in the foreground, a drawing-style hand holds a phone with the Home Depot app open. The store location is set to Somerville, and the screen shows special offers available to members, in this case, power tools. In the background, we see a room with windows, a metal ladder set up, and construction supplies in the background.

Free shipping lets you enjoy the same member discounts without navigating crowded parking lots and aisles.

Parking Agreement (Fixed Term)

Storage Agreement (Fixed Term)

Spooky Story: The Legend of Security Deposit Hollow

Water Submetering

Which Tenant Screening Service Is Best?

The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy.

Election Nominations

Forcing Tenants to Pay Brokers’ Fees is Already Illegal, No New Legislation Needed

“Broker Fee Ban” Signed into Law via Budget; Zillow Application Fees Apparently Banned

Home Depot Pro Xtra Members Get Free Shipping to Home or Job Sites

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