Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Barnstable

Find the right Tenant attorney in Barnstable, MA

Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Relations between tenants and landlords in Barnstable, Massachusetts can sometimes be touchy. The fact is that it's not easy to be a landlord or a tenant, especially because landlords and tenants often don't understand the legal rights and responsibilities that apply to them.

There are several rights and responsibilities that landlords and tenants have. It's important that each party is aware of their rights, and the rights of the other party. By knowing and respecting these rights, the risk of conflict should be reduced dramatically.

Landlord's Rights in Barnstable, MA

Landlords are, of course, entitled to collect rent from their tenants. If a tenant fails to pay the agreed-upon rent, the landlord is typically able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated.

Landlords also have a right to be free from damage to the rented unit. Tenants are expected not to damage their dwellings, intentionally or negligently. Landlords can deduct the cost of repairs from the tenant's security deposit. In general, tenants are not liable for damage resulting from ordinary wear and tear.

Tenant's Rights in Barnstable, MA

The most basic right of a tenant is the right to a living space that's fit for human habitation. This is, after all, what they're paying the landlord to provide. Landlords in Barnstable, Massachusetts are under a legal duty to make sure that their apartments are habitable. There are several factors that are considered in determining if an unit is habitable or not, but, generally, an unit will not be deemed habitable if it lacks any of the following: running water, electricity, heat, and protection from the elements (such as proper insulation, and windows that close).

Additionally, tenants have rights to common areas that are free of physical obstructions, as well as serious health and safety hazards. Common areas are the places in apartment buildings and other residential complexes which every tenant can access, and include hallways, stairwells, and fire escapes. In Barnstable, Massachusetts, these areas must be kept in a safe condition, at the landlord's expense.

In the United States, and most likely under the laws of Massachusetts, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Also, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

And finally, most state laws prevent landlords from arbitrarily evicting tenants. If the lease agreement is for a set period of time, the landlord generally can't evict the tenant until the lease expires, without a good reason. Valid causes for eviction include unpaid rent, illegal activities on the property, damage to the building caused by the tenant, and excessive noise.

Can a Barnstable, Massachusetts Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants usually prefer to avoid getting into fights with one another, for evident reasons. A harmonious relationship is profitable for everyone involved. To that end, the advice of a good Barnstable, Massachusetts landlord/tenant attorney can help defuse arguments before they become too serious.

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Life in Barnstable

Barnstable is often called the "Town of Barnstable." It is located in Barnstable County. In fact, it is the largest community on Cape Cod. Interestingly, Barnstable has seven villages within the city. The largest village is Hyannis, which is also the central business district. Another interesting fact about Barnstable is that in 2007, it was the All-American City Award winner.

Barnstabe has had some very famous residents. People such as Sam Barber, Joe Cronin, Judy Garland, Raymond Goulding, And Hallett, John Havlicek, Jack Kerouac, Dan LaCouture, Larry Page, and Eden White have once called Barnstable home.

Barnstable is also home to attorneys who have set up small law offices. These attorneys are competent to take on any legal inquiry and bring their clients justice.

All in all, Barnstable is a city that provides residents with small town charm and a wonderful quality of life!

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