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Rent Control Redux? The $64,000 Question (aka the Bologna Story)

First Published May 12th, 2019 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Rent control may be returning to Massachusetts. Here we reexamine the story of Vincent and Laura Bologna to show how rent control worked in practice.

The Ashley Story: A Real-Life Example of Security Deposits Gone Wrong

First Published December 9th, 2017 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in advice, Did you know?, News - 2 Comments

The Ashley Story: A Real-Life Example of Security Deposits Gone Wrong - A Massachusetts landlord thought he’d get $3,463 from his tenants’ security deposit.

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Someone’s Religion

First Published November 11th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 3 Comments

an overhead view of a densely settled neighborhood, with homes, a school and two houses of worship. The houses of worship and school are labeled by Google Earth. One house is circled in red. A text box reads “2 Bedroom for Rent” and has “Near Synagogue” and “Steps to Baptist Church” crossed off in red. The sentence “0.25 mile to high school” has a green check mark beside it.

Applying fair housing practices to all renters regardless of their religious beliefs (or lack thereof) goes beyond tenant selection.

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Family Status

First Published October 29th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Don’t like kids in the building? Saying so and denying a tenancy to someone with children could land you in court.

Always Check for Abandoned Animals After a Unit is Vacated

First Published March 28th, 2023 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A young brown tabby cat steps onto a windowsill. Dappled trees can be seen outside.

Massachusetts law requires housing providers to make sure no one is left behind after a move-out, eviction or abandonment.

How to Avoid Discrimination Based on Public Assistance

First Published September 24th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023

Whether your tenants can pay their rent is more important than how the rent gets paid.

How to Avoid Discrimination Based on Someone’s Sex

First Published September 23rd, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 4 Comments

Federal and state laws on housing make a person’s sex and gender protected classes.

The Bellus Lawsuits: Denying Leases for the Wrong Reasons Can Send Landlords to Court

First Published December 9th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 4 Comments

A street view of a two-story brick house with a grey roof, three attic windows and a round classical-style white porch. There are tall shrubs in front of the house and tree branches are visible in the upper right corner of the image.

A spate of discrimination lawsuits from Bellus Real Estate indicates landlord actions are under the microscope when screening tenants.

How to Avoid Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

First Published August 27th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Gay, straight, bisexual, pansexual, asexual or anything else between consenting adults doesn’t matter when you’re choosing your tenant.

How to Avoid Making a Bad Impression on Your Tenants

First Published August 25th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

There’s a time and a place to display your wealth...and it’s not when you’re collecting the rent.

Rent Control Redux? The $64,000 Question (aka the Bologna Story)

The Ashley Story: A Real-Life Example of Security Deposits Gone Wrong

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Someone’s Religion

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Family Status

Always Check for Abandoned Animals After a Unit is Vacated

How to Avoid Discrimination Based on Public Assistance

How to Avoid Discrimination Based on Someone’s Sex

The Bellus Lawsuits: Denying Leases for the Wrong Reasons Can Send Landlords to Court

How to Avoid Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

How to Avoid Making a Bad Impression on Your Tenants

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