Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Locked out of common basement storage/laundry area

I have been living as a tenant at will in

MA for 8 years. 6 of these years have

been in my current apartment, prior to

that I was in a different apartment (in

the same house) which I entered on a

1-year lease and then switched to

tenancy at will.

Due to a recent dispute between the

landlord and another tenant, the

landlord has locked the basement which

I have been using, with permission, as a

storage area (since I moved in) and for

use of my own laundry facilities (again,

with permission.) This was done without

notice, and I can now no longer either

do laundry or access any of my property

in the basement.

I am wondering whether this is legal, or

whether would qualify as a violation of

right to quiet enjoyment, or some other

violation. As well I am looking for

advice on how best to proceed from

here, as I am afraid any action I take will

prompt the landlord to terminate the

tenancy-at-will.

Thanks for any input.


Asked on 10/27/06, 11:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: Locked out of common basement storage/laundry area

Why not simply ask the landlord to provide you with a key to provide you and Not the other tenant permission to continue to use this area on the condition you will conscientiously secure it against the use by the other tenant. If the right to use this area was not part of what was rented to you the landlord is within his rights in denying it's use. But he may also allow its use on such conditions as he may deem appropriate. Good Luck!

Read more
Answered on 10/30/06, 4:57 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Massachusetts