Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Have you spoken to your landlord about this issue? It's unclear to me why the landlord would want to adjust the heat up.

Surely he recognizes that the higher the heat at which he runs the heater, the faster it is going to break down (water heaters have varying life expectancies, which depend, to a degree on usage). It must be the case that he believes he is doing you some kind of favor.

If your landlord is somehow maliciously turning up the heat with the intention of burning you while you do your dishes, then I would urge you to speak to a live attorney, and to get away from this psychopath!

As far as a cause of action, most talented personal injury attorneys I know would be reluctant to handle a "low grade burn" case, simply because it would be hard to establish your damages. You are, however, wise to document the problems you experience at the apartment. In case these problems continue, you need to begin building up evidence.

The Landlord may be trying to comply with the health code, which requires water temperature at a certain level for dish washing. I would suggest you discuss the matter with your landlord to determine why he is changing the water temperature.