Landlord Rights Under a Lease

In the state of Massachusetts a landlord’s rights are generally derived from the lease between the landlord and the tenant. The lease is a legally binding agreement that governs the relationship between a landlord and his or her tenant.   When you own property that you want to rent out it is important to make sure that all tenants execute a proper lease. While you may be tempted to draft your own lease or use an example that you found on the Internet, you should always have a landlord-tenant attorney review the lease agreement. Your attorney understands the law and can draft a strong lease with the legal terms and provisions you need to protect yourself and your property.

When you are preparing your lease, your lawyer will make sure that it complies with the laws in the state of Massachusetts. Often when a property owner finds a lease on the web, the lease is not state-specific. Using a generic lease can lead to disaster. These leases are not tailored to meet your specific needs and are unlikely to comply with state and local laws and regulations.

Even if you have worked with an attorney in the past, if you have been using a lease for a number of years, it is important to have your lawyer review the lease on a regular basis. Real estate agents and landlords will often use the same rental agreement over and over again. The laws and regulations governing rental properties and the relationship between landlords and tenants change, so you need to make sure that your lease is up to date and reflects any changes in the law.

Contact a Boston Landlord Dispute Lawyer

If you own property – whether you wish to rent out for the first time or are an experienced landlord – the Law Offices of Shaun A. Hannafin can help. Our landlord-tenant law firm represents clients throughout the Boston area region. Our firm has an in-depth understanding of the complex laws and regulations governing landlord-tenant relationships. We know that a simple mistake or misunderstanding of the law can have disastrous consequences and we can help you navigate Massachusetts law and local regulations.

For instance, many landlords do not know that Boston property owners are required to register rental property annually with the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Further, the property will be subject to inspection every five years. If you fail to register your property or comply with other conditions of the city ordinance you may be subject to fines and other penalties.

The laws and rules addressing rental properties in Massachusetts can be confusing. If you are renting property, it is wise to seek the advice of a knowledgeable attorney who can help you avoid legal problems before they arise. Should a dispute surface with a tenant, your Boston landlord lawyer will work with you to resolve the matter as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you are a landlord dealing with a tenant dispute, you need to take quick action. Contact the Law Offices of Shaun A. Hannafin today to schedule your free, initial consultation: 617-848-4572.