This fall, many students and young adults will be moving into apartments for the first time. Upon renting an apartment and signing a lease, you will enter a legally binding agreement with your landlord. The purpose of this lease is to protect you, the tenant, and your landlord; both parties are required by law to uphold the terms of the lease.
As a tenant, you must follow the rules specified in your lease, accept responsibility for any damage done to the apartment, and pay your rent. You have the right to occupy your apartment and are protected against unlawful entry and retaliation. Additionally, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, military background, sexual preference, disability, or marital status. If you feel you are a victim of housing discrimination, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division.
Landlords must provide a safe and clean apartment that is in compliance with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code. As the owner of the property, landlords have the right to enter all apartments under certain circumstances. A landlord may enter your apartment to make repairs, inspect the condition of the apartment, or show the apartment to prospective tenants or buyers. However, the visit must be prearranged. The only time a landlord has the right to enter the apartment without the tenant’s approval is if it appears that the apartment has been abandoned.
Be a smart tenant, and be aware of your obligations and rights while renting a property. To learn more, check out the Landlord and Tenant Law section of the AGO website.
Comments