Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Waltham

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Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Relations between tenants and landlords in Waltham, 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 Waltham, 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 compensated for damage to the building that a tenant causes, either intentionally or negligently. Any damage caused by a tenant, besides reasonable wear and tear, can be billed, and the landlord can deduct from the tenant's security deposit to pay for repairs.

Tenant's Rights in Waltham, 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 Waltham, 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).

Tenants also have a right to ensure that the common areas of their apartment building are reasonably safe. Landlords are required to make sure that the common areas of their buildings meet Waltham, Massachusetts's building codes, and that there are no conditions that create unnecessary safety hazards. They are required to make, at their own expense, the necessary repairs.

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.

Finally, the laws of most states protect tenants from unfair eviction. In general, as long as a tenant is paying rent on time, and is not damaging the unit, they cannot be evicted before the term of the lease expires, unless there is a very good reason to do so (such as excessive noise caused by the tenant, or illegal activities in the apartment).

Can a Waltham, Massachusetts Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

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

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Life in Waltham

Waltham, Massachusetts has a population of just over 60,000 residents and is located in Middlesex County. The city has historical significance and is considered to play a pivotal role in the labor movement.

Waltham is often nicknamed "Watch City" because of the presence of Waltham Watch Company which has produced over 40 million watches and other time instruments before closing. Waltham also has a great music scene that brings together the community for various events throughout the year. The city is also a great place to be active -- with a 97 out of 100 points on the walkability rating system.

In addition to a good public school education system, Waltham also houses three colleges: Bentley University, Brandeis University, and Center for Digital Imaging Arts. With such an emphasis on learning, it is no surprise that there is such a great professional community in Waltham. Waltham lawyers, for example, are trained at some of the best schools and are skilled in a range of legal issues. From lawyers to accountants to bankers, Waltham is a city that is a great place to work.

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