Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Brockton

Find the right Tenant attorney in Brockton, MA

Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Relations between tenants and landlords in Brockton, 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 many 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 Brockton, 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 usually 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 accountable for damage resulting from ordinary wear and tear.

Tenant's Rights in Brockton, MA

Tenants, most basically, have a right to a habitable apartment. After all, this is what they're paying for. Brockton, Massachusetts landlords are obligated to see that the units they rent to tenants are fit to be lived in by people. Many various defects might render an apartment uninhabitable, such as serious infestations and other problems with sanitation, lack of running water or electricity, or failure to provide adequate protection from the outside elements.

In addition to habitable living spaces, tenants also have a right to reasonably safe common areas. Common areas include lobbies, hallways, and stairwells - basically anything that everyone living in an apartment complex has access to. These common areas must meet the building standards of Brockton, Massachusetts, and must not contain any unnecessary safety hazards.

Under federal and Massachusetts law, tenants are also entitled to protection against discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, marital status, or gender. Such discrimination can lead to severe civil penalties against the landlord. Landlords further cannot discriminate against tenants based on physical disability, and have to make reasonable accommodations for physically disabled tenants. For example, they have to allow disabled tenants to make minor physical alterations to the unit (at the tenant's expense) to make it more accessible. Now, they don't need to allow the tenants to have the building remodeled. We're just talking about things like installing handrails in the bathroom, and similar things. The landlord can, however, require tenants to restore the apartment to its original condition, at the tenant's expense, once the tenant leaves.

Finally, tenants in most states have a right to be free from unfair eviction. Typically, lease agreements last for a set period of time, and both parties are bound by that contract. Landlords cannot arbitrarily evict clients while the lease is still in effect.

Can a Brockton, Massachusetts Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

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

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Life in Brockton

Brockton is located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts with a population of around 93,810 people. Brockton is the seventh largest city in Massachusetts. It is nicknamed the "City of Champions" due to the success of resident boxers Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler. Brockton High School's sports programs are also very successful, and also contribute to the city's nicknames.

What is interesting is that in 2005, 2008, and 2010, Brockton was named as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. This award is given by America's Promise Alliance. Some reasons for this award is Brockton's dedication to education, mentoring, and volunteerism.

There are some great attractions to check out in Brockton. Such places include the Audubon Conservation Area, Brockton Fire Museum, Campanelli Stadium, D.W. Field Park, Franklin Block, Petronelli Way, Sacco Vanzetti Museum, and the SOuth Street Historic District.

Brockton is also filled with attorneys who are devoted to their practice, and who can adequately fulfill the legal needs of Brockton residents.

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