Being a landlord in Massachusetts comes with a unique set of challenges, thanks to the state’s tenant-friendly laws. Staying informed and proactive is key to managing your rental properties successfully while avoiding costly legal headaches. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics to help you navigate any landlord-tenant issues with confidence.

Managing Security Deposits

Security deposits come with strict legal requirements in Massachusetts. If you’re not careful, mishandling these funds can lead to serious legal trouble. Here’s what you need to know:

• Separate Bank Account: Security deposits (along with first and last month’s rent) must be placed in a Massachusetts interest-bearing bank account. Mixing these funds with your own money is a big no-no.
• Receipts and Disclosures: You must provide tenants with written receipts and statements detailing where their deposit is held.
• Avoid Costly Mistakes: Failing to follow these rules can open you up to major liabilities under state housing laws and Chapter 93A, Massachusetts’ consumer protection statute. Keeping your security deposit process airtight protects you legally and helps build trust with tenants.
  

Screening Tenants

Picking the right tenant can make or break your experience as a landlord. While online screening services are convenient, they don’t always dig deep enough into Massachusetts-specific records. What should you do?

• Go Beyond Basic Background Checks: Massachusetts court records aren’t all available in one place. A thorough check requires searching Superior, District, and Housing court records in each county.
• Verify Employment & References: Don’t just take a potential tenant’s word for it—confirm their job and talk to previous landlords to get a sense of their reliability.
• Invest the Time Now, Avoid Problems Later: A strong screening process reduces the risk of rent disputes, property damage, eviction hassles, and other landlord-tenant issues down the road.
  

Document Everything

Before handing over the keys, make sure you document the condition of your rental unit. If landlord-tenant issues arise later, having solid proof can save you time and money.

• Take Time Stamped Photos & Videos: Capture the condition of all rooms, appliances, and even the exterior of the property.
• Keep a Record of Maintenance Requests: Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a broken heater, maintain detailed records of tenant complaints and your responses. This documentation can be crucial if a tenant claims the property was unsafe or uninhabitable.
• Stay Organized: Having a clear system for documentation protects you in case of legal disputes and ensures smoother property management overall.
  

Dealing with Non-Payment and Eviction

Even with the best tenants, issues can arise. If a tenant stops paying rent, Massachusetts law outlines a structured process landlords must follow.

• Notice to Quit: For non-payment of rent, landlords must give a 14-day notice before starting eviction proceedings. For other lease violations, a 30-day notice is required.
• Court Process & Mediation: If the tenant doesn’t leave, eviction can involve multiple court hearings, mediation, and significant delays.
• Watch Out for Professional Tenants: Some tenants know how to work the system, using bankruptcy filings and legal loopholes to extend their stay without paying rent. Being prepared and acting quickly can help minimize losses.

Additional Protections for Landlords

Massachusetts law heavily favors tenants, but landlords do have some protections. Understanding these safeguards can help you avoid financial losses and legal troubles when facing landlord-tenant issues.

• A Strong Lease Agreement Is Your Best Defense: Do not rely upon a “standard” residential lease provided by a real estate agent; use a customized lease with more tools to protect against tenants who stop being cooperative. 
• Landlord Insurance for Extra Security: Standard property insurance covers physical damage, but additional landlord insurance can protect against lost rental income, legal expenses, and liability claims from tenants.
• Knowing Your Rights in Eviction Cases: While the eviction process can be complex, landlords still have rights. Understanding the legal process, filing paperwork correctly, and acting promptly when tenants violate lease terms can prevent long delays.
• Handling Tenant Abandonment & Property Damage: If a tenant abandons the property or leaves it in poor condition, landlords have options. Following proper legal procedures for reclaiming the unit and documenting damages can help recover costs.
• Legal Support for Difficult Situations: If you’re facing ongoing tenant disputes, consulting with an attorney early can prevent costly mistakes. Proactive legal guidance can help you navigate lease violations, eviction roadblocks, and compliance with state laws.

Being a landlord in Massachusetts isn’t always easy, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can manage your properties successfully while avoiding legal trouble.

If you’re dealing with landlord-tenant issues or just want to make sure you’re fully compliant with the law, DaMore Law is here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through everything from lease agreements to eviction procedures, ensuring your rental business runs smoothly and legally.

Need expert legal advice? Contact DaMore Law today.

The trend continues in Burlington MA with increasing home sale prices.

Market data can give you a sense of what is going on in a particular market. Things willl fluctuate monthly, so it is useful to stay up to date if you are contemplating purchasing or listing in Burlington. The Burlington MA single family 2015 2nd quarter property report below provides up-to-date information.

Burlington MA single family Property Prices

Selling prices are a quick snapshot of an individual market. The average sale price of single family properties in Burlington MA for the quarterly 2015 was $551,661. For the preceding year, that figure was $536,843. Thus, it increased 2.76 %. In the year before that, the average was $466,887.

2015	$551,661
2014	$536,843
2013	$466,887

Burlington MA Listing Activity

Listing volume tell you a few things about the real estate market. Low figures usually result from little inventory, which then leads to a build up of demand and drive up market values. This can be found in a sellers market. On the other hand, high inventory can create a surplus. Buyers may have the advantage in that scenario since sellers must compete to get their properties sold.

In Burlington MA for the 2nd quarter 2015, the listing volume was 54. This is a 9.8% change from the year before (which was56). In the year before that, it adjusted 9.8% from 51 to 56.

2015	54
2014	56
2013	51

Burlington MA 2015 2nd Quarter Average Days On Market

Average days on markettell you how long it requires to attract a ready, willing, and able buyer. It will you offer a hint on how hot the market may be and what advantage you may have as a buyer or seller. When listings are going under contract fast, as a home buyer, you may not have the luxury of waiting to make a decision as the home might no longer be on the market. As a seller, it is helpful to set fair expectations for marketing time. Keep in mind that the listed price and condition of an individual property can affect this marketing frame.

The Average days on market in Burlington MA for the 2nd quarter increased 30.43% from 46 to 60. During the previous period, it moved -30.3% from 66 to 46.

2015	60
2014	46
2013	66

Burlington MA Single Family 2015 2nd Quarter Property Report

For more Burlington MA single family 2015 2nd quarter property report figures or reports for other communities, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. The statistics here was compiled from the Mass. MLS Property Information Network, Inc. It is meant to offer a generic understanding of the real estate market, is not guaranteed accurate, and may not necessarily include every single single family transacted in Burlington.

Listen to the Money Matters radio show from May 17, 2014 featuring Attorney Peter DaMore and other real estate industry professionals.

An article on July was the best month for Mass. home sales since 2006, the Warren Group says was written by Boston Globe on August 29, 2013. More good news regarding Massachusetts Housing…..

Excerpt of “July Was The Best Month For Mass. Home Sales Since 2006, The Warren Group Says”

The number of Massachusetts single-family homes sold in July was up
more than 18 percent on a year-to-year comparison basis as the Bay
State had its best month for sales volume since June 2006, the
Warren Group said Thursday.

Condominium sales in the state were also up sharply. Meanwhile, the
median price of a single-family home rose 10 percent in July,
increasing to $349,000, said the Warren Group, a Boston company
that tracks local real estate activity.

Click here to read the full article.

For questions on this topic, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. at 781-229-7900 or pdamore@ptdlaw.com.

An article about Consumer Spending in U.S. Climbs by Most in Five Months was published by Bloomberg on March 29, 2013. More good news on the economy!

Excerpt of “Consumer Spending In U.S. Climbs By Most In Five Months”

Consumer spending climbed in February by the most in five months and confidence unexpectedly improved in March, showing job-market gains are helping Americans overcome tax increases and concern about federal budget cuts.

Purchases, which account for about 70 percent of the economy, rose 0.7 percent after a 0.4 percent advance the prior month that was bigger than previously estimated, according to Commerce Department data today in Washington. Another report showed consumer sentiment advanced to a four-month high.

Record stock prices and rising home values combined with gains in wages are helping households repair finances left in shreds by the recession, making it easier to cope with a two percentage-point increase in the payroll tax. The pickup in spending at retailers including Macys Inc. (M) is giving the worlds largest economy a boost just as efforts to narrow the budget deficit prompt government cutbacks.

Click here to read the full article.

For questions on this topic, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. at 781-229-7900 or pdamore@ptdlaw.com.

An article about Burlington Home Sales Up 28 Percent in 2012 was written by Burlington Patch on February 4, 2013. WOW!! Great news for the Burlington, MA housing Market……

Excerpt of “Burlington Home Sales Up 28 Percent In 2012”

Burlington saw a 40.13 percent increase in single-family home sales
in 2012, according to statistics gathered by the Warren Group, the
Boston-based real estate and banking information publishers for New
England.

Year-end numbers show Burlington at 213 single-family home sales,
compared to 152 sales in 2011.

In December, 18 single-family homes were sold in Burlington, a 28.5
percent increase over the number sold in December 2011.

According to a Warren Group press release, 2012 Massachusetts home
sales were the highest in six years, increasing 18 percent in 2012.
In all of 2012, the total number of homes sold statewide were
46,887, an increase from 39,594 home sales in 2011.

In addition to sales, median prices for single family homes in
Burlington also saw a rise in 2012, increasing from $358,500 in
2011 to $385,000 in 2012, or a 7.4 percent jump.

Statewide, median price for homes sold January through December was
up to $300,000, a 12 percent increase from $267,250 the prior year.

Condominiums sales in Burlington were on the decline in 2012. At
the end of 2012, 40 condos had been sold in town, compared to 42 in
2011, a 4.7 percent decrease.

The median condo price also dropped 12.82 percent from $410,000 to
$357,450.

Click here to read the full article.

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For questions on this topic, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. at 781-229-7900 or pdamore@ptdlaw.com.

An article about Steady US housing recovery is boosting economy was published by on November 19, 2012. More positive news on housing and the economy…..

Excerpt of “Steady US Housing Recovery Is Boosting Economy”

WASHINGTON (AP) From purchases and prices to builder sentiment
and construction, the U.S. housing market is making consistent
gains.

The latest evidence came in reports Monday that sales of previously
occupied homes rose solidly in October and that builders are more
confident than at any other time in 6 years.

New-home sales and home-price indexes have reached multi-year
highs. And Lowes Cos. on Monday reported a surge in net income, a
sign that home-improvement retailers are benefiting.

The housing markets recovery still has a long way to go. But for
now, its helping prop up an economy thats being squeezed by a
global slowdown and looming spending cuts and tax increases.

Joseph LaVorgna, an economist at Deutsche Bank, estimates that the
housing recovery could boost U.S. economic growth by a full
percentage point next year. Thats because a stronger housing
market would mean more jobs, especially in industries like
construction, and more consumer spending.

Housing could provide a meaningful and critical lift to
overall economic activity when other growth drivers, like exports,
are slowing, LaVorgna said.

Click here to read the full article.

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For additional information on this topic, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. at 781-229-7900 or pdamore@ptdlaw.com.

An article about Sales of existing homes rise 2.3% in July was published by Wall Street Journal on August 22, 2012. More positive news regarding the housing recovery…..

Excerpt of “Sales Of Existing Homes Rise 2.3% In July”

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) Sales of existing homes in the U.S. rose 2.3% in July, as low mortgage rates, rising rent and some job creation led to a modest rebound, a trade group said Wednesday.The National Association of Realtors said sales increased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.47 million from 4.37 million in June.Economists polled by MarketWatch had anticipated a 4.5 million rate.Compared to July 2011, sales climbed 10.4%, the 13th straight year-on-year gain.Year-to-date, sales were up 8.6%, demonstrating the improvement that has taken place in a market recovering from the burst of the housing bubble.Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the NAR, said improving affordability and the economic backdrop are helping housing even as he said housing was underperforming the fundamentals of the economy.

Click here to read the full article.

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For additional information on this topic, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. at 781-229-7900 or pdamore@ptdlaw.com.

An article about Warren Group: June foreclosure petitions drop to lowest monthly level so far in 2012 was published by Boston.com on July 19, 2012. More good signs for the housing market…..

Excerpt of “Warren Group: June Foreclosure Petitions Drop To Lowest Monthly Level So Far In 2012”

In June, the monthly total of foreclosure petitions in Massachusetts fell below 1,300 for the first time this year, the Warren Group said Thursday morning, and completed foreclosures also dropped.The Warren Group, a Boston firm that tracks local real estate, cited an improving economy and an active housing market as the reasons for the slower pace of foreclosure petitions.Foreclosure petitions mark the first step in the foreclosure process in Massachusetts.In June, 1,254 foreclosure petitions were recorded in the Bay State, a 29.5 percent drop from May. But year-over-year foreclosure petitions rose almost 27 percent in June, from 990 in June 2011, the Warren Group said.Completed foreclosures fell nearly 24 percent to 715 in June, down from 936 deeds in June 2011. This is the first time since September 2011 that foreclosures have posted a year-over-year decline, the firm said.In a statement, Warren Group chief executive Timothy M. Warren Jr. said: Its pretty significant to see foreclosure petitions drop by almost 30 percent from just a month ago. I believe that an improving economy, more jobs, and an active real estate market are having an impact and giving us a moderating trend in foreclosures.Last year, there was a lull in foreclosures when lenders home-seizure practices became the subject of nationwide scrutiny.In his statement, Timothy Warren said, After such a slow year for foreclosures in 2011 that left many distressed properties in limbo, we are starting to see banks work their way through the backlog.

Click here to read the full article.

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For questions on this topic, contact Peter DaMore, Attorney at Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. at 781-229-7900 or pdamore@ptdlaw.com.

Spring is usually a busy period for real estate. There are both more listings and buyers on the market. If you are considering buying or selling a property, this blog offers Burlington MA Spring real estate market trends.

The Impact of Seasons

The Spring is ordinarily a less busy season from a scheduling perspective. During the fall, kids children return to school and families are busy adjusting. Then approaches the holiday months with holiday shopping and gatherings. Early in the year is tax season. Only after that will schedules open up for many. The days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and people can accomplish more during the spring and summer seasons. Because of this, Spring is a more active time of year for real estate.

Seller Considerations

Sellers often think that their properties look better in the spring and summer and that this will result in a higher sales price. They naturally begin cleaning up the exterior of their home as the weather gets warmer and flowers begin to bloom. The extended days also provide a little more time for all of this. The Spring historically brings an influx of properties for sale as a result. This also leads to more competition, so sellers must carefully evaluate pricing their home properly to achieve a prompt sale. They may want to also simplify the showing process. Buyers may pass by ones with difficult or inconvenient showing arrangements. With well thought out pricing and showing procedures, Sellers can take advantage of the Spring market.

Buyer Tips

Buyers also find more time to spend on their real estate search in the Spring and look forward to the availability of homes to choose from. It is essential for buyers to stay focused on their criteria instead of attempting to see each home for sale. The best properties will sell quickly due to the volume of competing buyers. Those who hesitate too long can end up missing out on the property of their dreams.

Burlington MA Spring Real Estate Market Trends

To make the most of the Spring market, get information and support from a skilled real estate agent. For sellers, it is essential not to overprice or lose marketing time. Buyers can stay up to date on new listings with help from a real estate broker and their direct access to the MLS system. It is also important for buyers not to lose focus and get lost in the volume of listings. With a little guidance and support, you can achieve your buying or selling goals for this Spring. This information was shared by Peter DaMore with Law Offices of Peter T. DaMore Jr. (781-229-7900, pdamore@ptdlaw.com).