What are my rights and responsibilities as a landlord?
As a landlord in Massachusetts, you have certain rights and responsibilities. First of all, you have the right to receive fair and timely rent payments from your tenants. To ensure that your tenants are abiding by the agreement made between the two of you, you have the right to collect a security deposit that is no more than the equivalent of one month’s rent and last month’s rent. You are also entitled to receive reasonable notice before your tenants move out. At the same time, it is important that you abide by the laws that protect your tenants. You must ensure that the property you are renting out is safe and in good condition, and meet any applicable building codes. You must also take reasonable steps to keep your tenants’ deposits secure. Furthermore, you must also abide by fair housing laws when renting properties to tenants. This means that you cannot discriminate against any tenant based on their race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, military status, or age. Overall, as a landlord in Massachusetts, it is important to remember that you have rights and responsibilities. You have the right to receive and keep the rent and deposits that your tenants are obligated to pay you, and your tenants have the right to a safe and habitable environment. Additionally, you must remember to abide by the laws that protect your tenants, such as the fair housing laws mentioned above.
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