How can a tenant dispute a rent increase?

If a tenant in Massachusetts feels that they have been charged an unfair rent increase, they have a few options to dispute the increase. The first should be to speak to the landlord directly and ask why they have raised the rent. It may be that the landlord is simply unaware of the current market rate and can be willing to negotiate down to an agreeable figure. If this does not work, then it is time to take a step further and follow the rules that Massachusetts have put in place around rent increases. For example, Massachusetts has a law requiring landlords to provide at least 30 days’ notice before increasing rent. If the landlord has not provided such notice, they cannot legally enforce the increase. It is also important to ensure that the rent increase is applied within the legal guidelines and amount set by the state. If the tenant and landlord are still unable to reach an agreement, the tenant may wish to seek legal advice from a housing lawyer. They can help the tenant understand their rights and whether their landlord has acted within the law. Alternatively, the tenant can file a complaint with their local board of health, as all rent increases must be approved by the board before they are enforced. Finally, if the tenant feels that their landlord has committed an illegal act, they can bring it to the attention of state or local officials, as well as the landlord-tenant board in their area. This board specializes in mediating disputes between tenants and landlords. They can help the tenant determine their rights and determine whether or not the rent increase was fair.

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How can a tenant dispute a rent increase?

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