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Should I Issue a 1099-C Form if My Ex-Tenant Owes Rent?

First Published February 28th, 2021 | Updated February 12th, 2026 Posted in News - 14 Comments

Losing rent is frustrating, but attempting to exact revenge through the IRS via form 1099-C may be petty.

Annual Maintenance Checklist

First Published January 11th, 2021 | Updated February 12th, 2026

Rental form: The MassLandlords annual maintenance checklist is a best practice developed by seasoned property management companies.

Notice of Occupant Right To Refuse Town or City Inspection

First Published July 29th, 2024 | Updated February 11th, 2026

A municipal employee wearing a long-sleeve shirt, reflective vest and glasses holds her inspection paperwork and stands outside the partially opened door of an apartment. Inside the door a man in a sweatshirt looks angrily at the inspector. Past him a pride flag is visible inside. He is going to refuse the inspector permission to come in.

Renters have a right to privacy. We encourage landlords to share this information with renters while explaining how landlords retain right to access.

New ‘Junk Fee’ Regulations Prohibit Undisclosed Fees in Rental Housing

First Published January 26th, 2026 | Updated February 7th, 2026 Posted in News - 0 Comments

illustration demonstrating the correct and incorrect to advertise a product in compliance with the state’s new junk fee regulation. The first two left-side panels are labeled “Compliant Disclosures” with one panel reading “Total price: $148.86”, contrasted with a panel under “Noncompliant Disclosures” with a panel reading “Price: $143.86, *Seller will add a $5.00 surcharge to cover the cost of processing your online transaction.” The second compliant disclosure panel reads “Total price: $148.86, *includes a $5.00 surcharge to cover the cost or processing your online transaction,” contracted with a noncompliant disclosure panel reading “Total price: $148.86, *includes a $5.00 surcharge.”

A new regulation added to the state’s Consumer Protection Law mandates full, upfront disclosure of any and all fees included in rental housing.

Let Them Know They’re Renting From The Best With Our Certified Massachusetts Landlord™ Flyer

Posted on February 6th, 2026 Posted in News - 0 Comments

An image of our certification flyer sits against a blue background. A banner overlay reads “Let them know they’re renting from the best.” Two text boxes highlight the space for a landlord name and the QR code that allows for easy verification.

Our newest flyer tells applicants you’re a landlord who is committed to best practices and running a compliant rental business.

Stored Energy Addendum

First Published September 13th, 2023 | Updated February 5th, 2026

A Stored Energy Addendum for Propane, Oil, Battery, Etc.

Governance

First Published June 7th, 2016 | Updated February 2nd, 2026

MassLandlords not-for-profit tax status, bylaws, elections, and other governance matters. Some portions are public, others members-only.

Landlord Basics: Housing Discrimination Law in Massachusetts

Posted on January 26th, 2026

An aerial photograph of a densely settled neighborhood has a text box overlay that reads: 2 BR for rent. Two lines are crossed out: “Near Synagogue” and “Steps to Baptist church.” One line is not crossed out: “0.25 mile to high school.”

Discrimination laws are important, but easy to comply with if you screen all applicants, regardless of protected class, equally.

Letter from the Executive Director for February 2026: Rent Control Opposition Donations Needed!

Posted on January 26th, 2026 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for February 2026 looks back on activity in a variety of fields including the rent control ballot question.

2025 Insurance Underwriting Losses Top $108 Billion, Accelerating; Budget for Premium Increases at 7%; Climate Change a Major Factor

Posted on January 26th, 2026 Posted in News - 0 Comments

a photograph of the Palisades wildfires in January 2025. Palm trees are visible in the foreground, with buildings behind. In the distance, the hills glow orange and red with fire.

We thought climate change data might be overstated. But insured losses have topped $100 billion for six consecutive years. It’s real, and economic losses are increasing.

Should I Issue a 1099-C Form if My Ex-Tenant Owes Rent?

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Notice of Occupant Right To Refuse Town or City Inspection

New ‘Junk Fee’ Regulations Prohibit Undisclosed Fees in Rental Housing

Let Them Know They’re Renting From The Best With Our Certified Massachusetts Landlord™ Flyer

Stored Energy Addendum

Governance

Landlord Basics: Housing Discrimination Law in Massachusetts

Letter from the Executive Director for February 2026: Rent Control Opposition Donations Needed!

2025 Insurance Underwriting Losses Top $108 Billion, Accelerating; Budget for Premium Increases at 7%; Climate Change a Major Factor

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