Landlord Harassment in Massachusetts: Know a Renter’s Rights
If you’re a tenant or a landlord for long enough, eventually disputes and issues come up. It is pretty inevitable. While you would hope these things can be addressed applicably, ultimately sometimes it can escalate. At a certain point a tenant might wonder just what a landlord or property owner can do that might become sometime that would be deemed harassment. This can actually vary some from one state to the next in how it is worded. So… what is landlord harassment in Massachusetts?
There are a lot of things to consider to make sure these kinds of disputes are handled appropriately. Our Boston property management services cover so many things that can result in these types of disputes, such as rental collection and disagreements that may come from that, policies that renters and landlords may disagree about, and so much more. We understand how these things can take a turn for the worse, so knowing where the pitfalls are and how to handle them can become very important. Here we will cover what tenants should know about their rights… and if you’re a landlord, knowing these things and what you can do to avoid them doesn’t hurt either.
Table of Contents
- Common Examples of Landlord Harassment in Massachusetts
- Steps to Take If You’re Experiencing Landlord Harassment
- For Landlords: How Pro Services Can Help You Manage It All
Common Examples of Landlord Harassment in Massachusetts
First thing to make sure we do is define the thing. What is landlord harassment in Massachusetts and in general? It is considered any time a landlord deliberately tries to pressure, intimidate, or make life difficult for a tenant — often in an attempt to force them out. Tenants have the legal right to quiet enjoyment of their home. They just do. That means means landlords can’t interfere with their ability to live peacefully in the rental. While tenants have expectations too (paying their rent on time, obeying policies, etc.), landlords have only certain ways they should be enforcing these things… if done in other ways, it can become harassment.
Harassment can take many forms, from ignoring needed repairs to outright threats. It’s illegal under state law. Here are some examples that illustrate what landlord harassment in Massachusetts might look like in a number of the different categories that are often referred to in those laws:
- Shutting Off Essential Services – Landlords cannot cut off heat, water, or electricity just to get a tenant to leave. (They also should know when to turn on the heat or cooling.) Neglecting these things can be considered harassment in certain cases. If a landlord “forgets” to pay the water bill on purpose and suddenly the tenant has no running water… there are all kinds of situations like these that can take the form of landlord harassment.
Entering the Apartment Without Notice – Landlords are required to give proper notice before entering. There are only certain instances a landlord can enter without permission in Massachusetts. If a landlord keeps showing up unannounced, lets themselves in without permission, or starts “checking on things” constantly, that could be a violation of tenant rights.- Making Threats or Intimidating a Tenant – If a landlord is threatening eviction, making rude or aggressive comments, or even pressuring the tenant to leave without a legal reason, that could be considered harassment.
- Refusing to Make Repairs – If a landlord ignores repeated maintenance requests for serious problems—like a broken heater in the middle of winter or a leaking roof—it can be a form of harassment.
- Retaliation for Complaints – If a tenant reports a safety issue or a violation to the city, and suddenly their landlord raises the rent, threatens eviction, or refuses to renew their lease, that can be considered retaliation… which is a form of landlord harassment in Massachusetts and in most places.
Steps to Take If You’re Experiencing Landlord Harassment
If you’re a tenant in Massachusetts and suspect your landlord is harassing you, it’s really important to recognize that state laws protect your right to a peaceful living environment… you don’t just have to accept it. It’s your right to understand the topic and the steps to address such behavior. Here are some steps you can take in those cases.
- Document Everything – Keep detailed records of all incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions. Save any communications from your landlord, such as texts, emails, or letters.
- Review Your Lease Agreement – Understand the terms of your lease to identify any violations by your landlord.
- Communicate in Writing – Address your concerns to your landlord through written communication, ensuring you have a record of your grievances.
- Seek Legal Advice – Consult with a tenant rights organization or attorney to explore your options. The Attorney General’s Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights of Massachusetts provides valuable information.
- File a Complaint – If harassment continues, file a complaint with local housing authorities or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
- Consider Legal Action – As a last resort, you may pursue legal action against your landlord for violating your rights.
For Landlords: How Pro Services Can Help You Manage It All
To have a successful rental property business or to navigate landlord issues, dealing with all sorts of tenant-related matters can be difficult. Typically no one wants to harass anyone, but disputes come up and they can become a real problem. And personality conflicts arise. Having a professional property management service at your disposal can make a huge difference in becoming a buffer during those times.
Why not choose a stress-free alternative to resolving tenant issues? Let someone else take care of it for you! Bay Property Management Group is a premier full service and customer-focused rental property manager in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and a number of other cities and states. Find out how we can resolve your tenant issues or help get the most out of your investment by giving us a call today.
