Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

I have rented an apartment for 18 years i the state of Massachusetts. I have always paid via check without a problem. In going to sing the lease again, the landlord is insisting that I (or any tenant) may not renew and continue to live here unless I sign allowing them access to my bank to make automatic withdrawals. They have stated that I may no longer make payment by check, cash, money order or any other means besides agreeing to this access to my banking information and automatic withdrawal set-up. Is this allowable by law, for them to evict me (not allow me to renew my lease of 18 years) unless I agree to their terms of automatic withdrawal?


Asked on 4/15/12, 3:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Although it does not seem wise for a landlord to kick out a paying tenant (I assume there have been no problems with late checks), it is perfectly legal. Assuming you are not operating under a lease that says otherwise, you and the landlord are free to negotiate terms which are acceptable to you both.

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Answered on 4/15/12, 7:37 am


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