News Archives - Page 12 of 92 - MassLandlords.net

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.

How to engage renters against eviction sealing

First Published March 13th, 2024 | Updated December 5th, 2024 Posted in News, policy - 0 Comments

A cartoon image of a blue triple-decker home shows every unit is occupied. A woman shakes a rug out of a second-story window, a young man relaxes on the front steps, and an older man waters flowers on the lawn.

Talking points to share with renters.

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.

Letter from the Executive Director for March 2024: It’s a Secret

First Published March 1st, 2024 | Updated April 25th, 2024 Posted in News - 13 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for March 2024 ends our rental assistance lawsuit, starts new projects for events and notices to quit, and recaps some successful events.

If You Need to Upgrade to 400-Amp Electric Service, Plan One Year in Advance or More

Posted on February 29th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

collage with three pictures: 1) a closeup of a green circuit board; 2) an outdoor bank of electric meters; and 3) a closeup of two semiconductors.

Heat pumps and car chargers in your rentals might require a service upgrade to 200 or 400 amps. Be sure to plan well in advance.

New MassLandlords Chapter to be Headed by ‘Product of Cambridge’ Sage Jankowitz

Posted on February 28th, 2024 Posted in News - 1 Comment

Sage Jankowitz, who grew up in and now conducts real estate sales in Cambridge, will head up a new MassLandlords chapter.

FinCEN: Companies Must Register Beneficial Owners with Federal Government

First Published February 22nd, 2024 | Updated January 1st, 2025 Posted in News - 1 Comment

Hundred dollar bills have been folded and stacked to create the shape of a simple square house with peaked roof.

Landlords with LLCs in Massachusetts will need to register any beneficial owners by name under this rule designed to halt money laundering.

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.

Lowell Was Headed for ADUs, Then Single-Family Property Owners Spoke Up

First Published February 6th, 2024 | Updated December 30th, 2024 Posted in News - 3 Comments

google image of a sunny, tree-lined street in the Belvidere section of Lowell, Mass., showing a handsome home with large yard and solar panels in the foreground, and down the street with similar homes lining each side.

The Lowell City Council rejected an ADU-by-right ordinance last October following an overheated, disingenuous opposition campaign by a vocal group of residents.

Letter from the Executive Director for February 2024: Winter Grind

Posted on February 5th, 2024 Posted in News - 1 Comment

Our Letter from the Executive Director for February 2024 covers eviction delays, public records delays and association delays.