advice Archives - Page 13 of 14

Screening Philosophy

Posted on February 23rd, 2015 Posted in advice - 0 Comments

I have been asked about my screening philosophy, the process for screening and qualifying tenants.

Utility Shut-off for Non-Payment is NOT Reported to Landlord

Posted on February 19th, 2015 Posted in advice - 0 Comments

When a utility shut-off occurs because a tenant is cut off for non-payment, you won't know.

Recap of Massachusetts State Sanitary Code Index

Posted on February 4th, 2015 Posted in advice, laws, News - 0 Comments

As a landlord-tenant attorney, I’ve created this comprehensive summary of the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code.

Must a landlord put smoke/CO alarms in their apartments?

First Published December 31st, 2014 | Updated April 23rd, 2023 Posted in advice - 16 Comments

smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector

Are landlords required to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in Massachusetts? Includes links to relevant regulations.

5 Steps to Find a Good Tenant

Posted on August 18th, 2014 Posted in advice, tenant screening - 0 Comments

It's not easy to be a successful landlord, but here are five steps to find a good tenant and get started.

Invasive Vine “Oriental Bittersweet” Leads to Overgrown Property

First Published July 1st, 2014 | Updated August 16th, 2024 Posted in advice - 0 Comments

Stylized illustration of the Massachusetts state house covered in invasive plant, Oriental Bittersweet

Odds are good you've seen this invasive vine, oriental bittersweet, and may even have an overgrown property because of it. Here's what to do.

I want to Join a Landlord Association in Massachusetts, but Which One?

Posted on June 29th, 2014 Posted in advice, groups - 3 Comments

Your choices for talking to other landlords are staggering. Should you join a rental housing association? A landlord association? Here are our thoughts.

Issue IRS form 1099-NEC for Contractors by January 31 Each Year

First Published May 31st, 2014 | Updated January 21st, 2025 Posted in advice - 0 Comments

W-9 for LLC's shows you a 1099 Contractor

To find out if your contractor is a 1099 contractor, you should issue form W-9. Forms 1099-NEC are due by Jan 31.

How to Advertise Apartments: A Guide to Landlord Advertising

First Published May 23rd, 2014 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in advice - 6 Comments

A top-to-bottom review of how to advertise apartments, including tips and tricks for better landlord advertising in Massachusetts.

Dirtiest Landlord Jobs

Posted on March 23rd, 2014 Posted in advice - 0 Comments

The top 10 dirtiest landlord jobs include patching mouse holes, avoiding lead paint during renovations, and cleaning the dreaded drum trap.