ATTORNEY ANSWER:
Yes, under certain circumstances set forth in the law. The property manager may enter in accordance with a court order, if the premises appear to be abandoned by the lessee, or to inspect within the last 30 days of the tenancy or after either party has given notice to the other of the termination of the tenancy for purposes of determining any damages to the unit. The lease should provide for access with notice to inspect, to make repairs and to show the premises to a prospective tenant.
Does a Property Manager have the right to enter a property without the unit owner’s consent?
I have several rental units in Massachusetts. One tenant is causing problems.
Additional Information:
My tenant is behind in the rent and is also creating problems with neighbors. When should I contact a lawyer?
ATTORNEY ANSWER:
Effective property management requires many skills, but at some point, when every other effort has failed, will require an action in court to resolve the issues. When a tenancy has reached that point is a judgment call by the owner. However, early contact with an attorney will ensure that once you decide to proceed with legal action, you understand the significance of each step of the process and that your actions will pass judicial review. We can assist you with lease review, proper notices to the tenant and preparation of the legal forms needed to ensure that your agreements with the tenant are enforceable by the court, that tenancies that should be terminated are ended, and those that should be salvaged are resolved in a way that the parties understand their obligations going forward.
Is it better to use a written lease with my residential tenant or rent to them from month to month?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each option, and your choice depends on your goals and plans for the property at issue. A written lease generally locks both parties into the landlord/tenant relationship for a set period of time. It binds a tenant and can offer protections to a landlord, but also gives the tenant the right to remain at the property through the lease term as long as he/she pays the rent on time. Where a landlord is not sure either that the tenant is a good, long-term investment or is considering selling the property, what’s called a tenancy-at-will arrangement may make sense. In this situation, the tenant rents property monthly and either side can end the relationship with about 30 days advance notice. Tenancies at will can be written or oral.
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How much money can I take from my residential tenant at the start of the tenancy?
Massachusetts law provides that you can collect the following sums:
- Rent for the first month
- Rent for the last month, calculated at the same rate as the first month;
- A security deposit equal to the first month’s rent; and
- The cost of purchasing and installing a key and lock.
Should I take a security deposit from my residential tenant?
Security deposits in the residential arena can be tricky. The law is complex and includes mandatory triple damage penalties and legal fees against violating landlords. For this reason, you should carefully consider whether a security deposit makes sense, keeping in mind that taking only last month’s rent from your tenant is far simpler and less risky. Before you take a residential security deposit, be sure you understand all your obligations and are prepared to meet them meticulously.
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What about collecting last month rent?
If you collect last month’s rent, you need to give the tenant a receipt that lists the amount of the rent collected, the address of the property to which it applies, and your name and address. Landlords must pay interest on last month’s rent. The tenant must provide a forwarding address where the interest may be sent annually, and they should have the option of deducting this amount from the rent. The law does not require last month’s rent to be deposited into an escrow account. Where it is, however, a landlord can pay the tenant the actual interest earned rather than the 5% that is otherwise due.
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What happens if a tenant damages my property or fails to pay the rent?
Tenants are generally liable for damages they cause but not for injury to property caused by normal use or wear and tear. Landlords with security deposits can deduct money owed to them for rent or damages at the end of the tenancy, but must follow statutory guidelines scrupulously. This includes providing the tenant with an itemized list of damages, signed under penalty of perjury, and written evidence of repair costs within 30 days of termination of occupancy. Landlords who improperly withhold any part of a security deposit – say, for example, by claiming a tenant caused damage that is not properly attributed to him or her – a suit for triple damages and legal fees could follow. When a landlord does not have a security deposit or the damages exceed what’s held, he/she can pursue a tenant in court for the amounts owed.
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When can a residential tenant withhold rent?
If property conditions fall below accepted standards of habitability, tenants can withhold rent and demand that repairs be made. Tenants must meet certain requirements to lawfully withhold rent. The conditions complained of must be serious. Many times, the local code enforcement agency will weigh in on this point. The tenant must show that the landlord knew about the conditions and failed to repair them. The tenant must also show that he/she did not cause the condition. The condition must be such that it can be repaired while the tenant remains on the premises.
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What do I do if I need to terminate a tenancy?
If you decide that it is time to part company with your tenant and can’t reach an agreement, there are several steps that must be followed. First is to formally end the tenancy. For tenants with leases, you need to carefully review the lease to determine what notice and under what conditions the tenancy can be terminated. A written notice of termination must be properly delivered. If there is a written tenancy at will agreement, that agreement must also be consulted. Where no written agreement exists, a landlord must give 14-days written notice to tenants who are being evicted for failing to pay rent and at least 30 days for others. Once a tenancy is properly ended, tenants who remain at the property must be evicted through court proceedings.
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Can I get in trouble for retaliating against a tenant?
Landlords should be careful in this area. While you may be tempted to evict a tenant because they called the local board of health or complained about conditions in the apartment, this can get you into serious legal trouble. In court, it is presumed a landlord retaliated against a tenant if rent is raised or other terms are changed within 6 months of a tenant exercising his or her protected rights, including the right to a habitable property that meets state sanitary code standards. Before you take action against a tenant, consult with counsel to make sure sending a notice to quit is not just making matters worse.
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