Tenant Resource Tool

Massachusetts Tenant-Landlord Resources: State Law Library

Resource Links at: http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/landlord.html

Legal Tactics, 6th ed., Annette R. Duke, editor, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, 2003, (Includes forms). Just about the best book written on Massachusetts tenants' rights, now available on the web.
Live Justice, Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts. Great resource for landlord/tenant issues. Offers a free e-mail service to get answers from attorneys for those who qualify (low income or over 60). Site also has a database of previously answered questions.
The Air in There--Asthma in the Home: A Guide for Landlords, Tenants and Homeowners, Mass. Attorney General. Outlines steps landlords and tenants can take to minimize environmental triggers for asthma.
The Brothel Myth. Urban Legends Reference Page: College, Snopes.com. Explains the history of the myth, but suggests that no proof has ever been produced that a law exists anywhere which prohibits more than four or six unrelated females from living together under a "brothel law." "
The Good Neighbors Handbook: A Guide for Boston Landlords and Tenants, City of Boston's Rental Housing Resource Center. A 78-page guide that covers finding an apartment, finding a tenant, roommates, information for students, security deposits, utilities, low-income housing, lodging houses, evictions, condominium conversion, fire and more.
Houseman: The Action for Boston Community Development Handbook of Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, ABCD.
Housing and CORI, Mass. Legal Help. Explains the access of a potential landlord to your criminal history, and how to obtain housing if you have a criminal record. Covers both public and private housing.
Housing Court Frequently Asked Questions. Mass. Housing Court.
How to Be a Landlord in Massachusetts and Avoid Legal Trouble, A. Joseph Ross.
Landlord Rights and Responsibilities, Mass. Office of Consumer Affairs . Includes how to find tenants, security deposits, right of entry, evictions and more.
"Psychologically impacted" Properties, MGL c. 93, s.114. Sellers and brokers do not have to disclose to buyers or tenants the fact that a property is perceived to be tainted by the health of a previous occupant, a murder or suicide, or paranormal phenomena.
Rights and Duties of Landlords and Tenants, Mass. Bar Association
Roommates, Nolo.com. Includes articles on renting an apartment with roommates, and adding and subtracting roommates, which discuss the issues in very general terms.
Safe and Sanitary Housing for Massachusetts Residents: Highlights of Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code, Mass. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Citizen Information Service.
Tenant/Landlord Information, Mass. Office of Consumer Affairs
The Tenant's Helper: A Handbook for Renters, 6th edition, Sept. 2006 , City of Somerville. This 66-page book covers the usual information, like security deposits and evictions, but also includes information on discrimination, roommates, and tenants' rights after the sale of a building. Great resource.
Tenants Facing Foreclosure, Mass. Legal Help. "Describes the foreclosure process, how to deal with these new owners, and how foreclosure affects your rights and responsibilities as a tenant." Provides key information, including eviction and how to get your security deposit back.
What Tenants in Foreclosed Buildings Should Know, City of Boston. Provides a list of basic tips and information for tenants.
The Metro Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) offers workshops for property owners. Their website provides information on renting to people with special needs and/or Sec. 8 Housing Subsidies: www.mbhp.org
The Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston provides guidance on your responsibilities as a landlord, specifically in regard to tenants who are members of protected classes: www.bostonfairhousing.org