What are the legal consequences of not following the terms of a lease?
In Massachusetts, not following the terms of a lease can have serious legal consequences. Depending on the severity of the breach, the consequences could range from being required to pay a fee to being evicted (the termination of the tenancy agreement). When a tenant fails to meet their obligations outlined in the lease, the landlord has the right to take action. The landlord can first send the tenant a written warning, usually giving them a certain amount of time to remedy the issue. If the tenant does not comply with the terms of the lease within that timeframe, the landlord can then take the issue to court. The court may then issue a judgment against the tenant, requiring them to pay a fee or to take other corrective action within a designated timeframe. If the tenant continues to breach the terms of the lease, the landlord can then proceed to evict the tenant. This involves filing a complaint and summons with the court and serving the tenant with these documents. If the court finds that the tenant has still not remedied the issue, it may grant the landlord a judgment that includes a court-ordered eviction. Therefore, if a tenant fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the lease, it can have serious legal consequences. It is important to read and understand the terms of the lease before signing, as well as remain in compliance with the terms throughout the tenancy agreement. If a tenant falls out of compliance, they should take immediate action to remedy the issue in order to avoid further legal action.
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