Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
I sublet an apt in Boston this summer. Craigslist, verbal, nothing signed. Two weeks into rental bedbugs were found. Place was treated for month of July. I moved out and offered partial rental to not live there and paid full Aug rent. Received e-mail from renters saying ok. Now well after the fact they are demanding the extra $400 or threatening court. Can you give me any advice?
1 Answer from Attorneys
If you can document the bed bugs and that you moved out for two weeks, you should have a valid defense. The landlord who sublet is also engaged in a deceptive business practice under MGL c 93A and you should indicate that you consider the landlord's action to be a deceptive business practice and demand that he cease and desist from making such demands.
You can find a form letter at the Mass Trial Law libraries if you look under landlord tenant.
Good Luck