Massachusetts Business Entity Attorney
Mar
22
2016
Alan Segal at the Academy Awards
Alan Segal had the recent privilege to attend the Academy Awards with his son Evan and daughter Jennifer. Here's the reference in Heresay - The Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly newsletter. Click…
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May
5
2015
Can I collect my rent without going through Summary Process?
Yes, the landlord can sue the tenant for rent owed as well as any other damages in a Civil Action or through Small Claims. The procedures for Civil Actions are…
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Apr
28
2015
Can I charge the tenant for water?
Maybe. It is generally the landlord's responsibility to provide and pay for water for the dwelling. The Governor has signed into law an act authorizing water sub-metering in residential tenancies.…
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Apr
23
2015
If I win my Summary Process case, how do I get my tenant out of the dwelling and when?
If the court finds for the landlord and grants no stays of execution, the tenant has ten (10) days to appeal from the date that the Clerk's Office enters judgment.…
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Apr
21
2015
Can I still ask the court for a stay of execution?
If the landlord decides to commence an eviction action because I will not pay the rent increase, even if I have no defense to the eviction, can I still ask…
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Apr
16
2015
Can my landlord enter my apartment when I am not at home?
Unless it is an emergency, no landlord can enter an apartment, absent a lease provision or a court order. Pursuant to G.L. c. 186, ยง15B, a lease for residential property…
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Apr
14
2015
My landlord has threatened to change the locks to the apartment if I do not pay my rental arrearage. Can he do this?
No. As a tenant, you are entitled to a Notice to Quit and a Summons for a hearing in court for nonpayment of rent. The landlord cannot use self-help to…
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Apr
9
2015
Am I entitled to notice if my landlord wants to increase my rent?
The tenancy between the parties is a legal contract. It cannot be changed by one side. The tenant can agree to a rent increase. But if the tenant does not…
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Apr
7
2015
I served a Notice to Quit several months ago.
Do I have to serve another Notice to Quit or can I use the prior notice and now serve the Summons? A question such as this one is legal in…
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Nov
29
2012
Can I take other actions to force my landlord to correct code violations?
You should first tell the landlord about the violations. If this does not work, you can contact your local Board of Health, or Inspectional Services, asking them to inspect the…
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