Earlier this week, we wrote about the laws prospective tenants should know when looking for an apartment. Once you've found the apartment of your dreams, you will also want to know practical considerations and Massachusetts rental laws regarding the lease itself.
First, the practical considerations. Do not put any money down on an apartment unless you are sure you want the apartment. While you may be legally entitled to the return of the money, it could be a pain to actually recover it. Also, know what you are putting the money down for. Account for finder's fees and other prepayments, and make sure that the landlord can actually make these charges.
Next, the legal considerations. Your legal rights will depend on what type of tenancy you have. If you sign a lease for a specific period of time, the landlord cannot increase your rent until the end of the lease, and cannot attempt to evict you before the end of your lease unless you violate the agreement.
However, if you sign a tenancy at will such as a month-to-month lease, you or your landlord can terminate the arrangement (or raise the rent) at any time by giving written notice of 30 days or one full rental period in advance (whichever is longer). Neither party needs a reason to terminate a tenancy at will.
Also, you should look out for terms in a lease that provide for interest or late payment penalties. Landlords will often try to sneak these in, though these late penalties are not allowed until 30 days after the rent due date.
Massachusetts rental laws protect renters from unscrupulous landlords. Make sure you know your rights.
Related Resources:
Source: http://bostonrealestatelawnews.com/2011/09/massachusetts-rental-laws----signing-a-lease.html
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