News Archives - Page 27 of 94 - MassLandlords.net

How to Avoid a Retaliation Complaint from Your Tenants

First Published August 9th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 3 Comments

This image is a cartoon drawing of a group of about 12 people standing on the street outside an apartment building. Two are holding a large banner that reads “Main Street Tenants Union.” Other people are holding smaller signs that read “Free Cable,” “Lower Rent,” “Vote for Me,” “Better Lease Terms,” “Yes to Pets,” “I Want to Open a Home Laundry Service” and “I’m Just Here for the Free Pizza.”

Landlords must be cautious when raising rent, terminating a tenancy or making other changes to rental agreements.

Letter from the Executive Director for August 2022: Session End

First Published July 28th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for August 2022 recaps a very busy July: The 192nd legislative session closed, PayPal blocked free rent payments and we contributed to three news stories.

Returning to In-Person Events: Headwinds and New Formats

Posted on July 27th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Worcester event attendees sit gathered around tables of eight listening to a speaker at the front of the room. Dinner has been served.

MassLandlords in-person events will resume in different formats fall 2022. We will experiment to find new and economically sustainable routines.

The Power of Chapter 93A: An Airbnb Case Study Crossing State and National Borders

First Published July 26th, 2022 | Updated April 28th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A UK-style smoke detector base hangs from a ceiling by a live wire. There is no detector on the base.

A case study showing how a renter used Massachusetts General Law Chapter 93A to obtain a large settlement from Airbnb and an out-of-state landlord.

Deadly Fire Prompts City of Worcester to Propose Rental Property Registry and Inspection Ordinance

First Published July 25th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

This image is a partial screenshot of the meeting minutes from the Worcester City Council meeting on June 7, 2022. The snippet reads: 9.15, Department of Inspectional Services, Administration, Christopher P. Spencer, Commissioner. A. Recommend adoption of two ordinances regarding joint programs of the Fire Department and Department of Inspectional Services with regard to a Rental Registry Program. In green, the meeting minutes added after the meeting read: Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up with item #20f CC. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to refer the items to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee.

If the ordinances pass, landlords must register their properties and have regular inspections, or face hefty fines

Landlording by the Numbers August 2022

Posted on July 22nd, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Help! My Tenant Wants to Use My Rental for Their Business

First Published July 15th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 4 Comments

This is a cartoon image of a tan house with gray shutters sitting on a lawn. The roof of the house is coming off, and bubbles can be seen pouring out, down the side of the house, and onto the lawn, where a very dirty puppy sits happily, also covered in bubbles. A sign out front reads “Nancy’s Laundromat and Dog Grooming.”

Your tenant wants to sell something from their rental, run a daycare, start growing plants. Should you let them?

Somerville Ends Eviction Moratorium; Sets Rules for Tenancy Rights Notifications

First Published July 14th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A view of the Somerville City Hall, a multi-story brick building with white trim and a clock tower

Amendments to the city’s Housing Stability Notification Act go into effect July 13, 2022; eviction moratorium ends June 30.

Landlording by the Numbers July 2022

Posted on July 5th, 2022 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Should You 1099-MISC a “Cash for Keys”?

First Published July 3rd, 2022 | Updated July 15th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Is owed rent being forgiven without a cash payment? If so, you have the option to issue 1099-C. If not, then will the relocation payment be less than rents received? If so, then you have the option either to refund rent or issue 1099-MISC. If not, then you must issue 1099-MISC for the excess over refunded rent.

Should you issue an IRS form 1099 for a cash for keys relocation payment to help a renter find more suitable housing?