Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
tenant rights
As a tenant, what rights do I have regarding the amount I pay for rent, if I rent the 1st floor of a 2 family home, and few years after I moved in, the landlord to built an apartment in the basement (without ever getting permits from the city to do so)? Originally, the amount I agreed upon for rent was based on the fact that I was not living above anyone, now circumstances have changed and there is a father living in the basement with a teenage son. The teenage son is often left home at night unsupervised and has other teens in the basement apartment who are drinking and being loud. Also, the only lock on the door leading to the basement from my apartment is a simple cheap slide lock that could easily be forced open. I do not feel safe at times and feel that since the conditions that I live in have changed since I agreed to the amound of the rent, legally what are my rights as far as getting my rent lowered based on the fact that I now am living in a set up that did not originally exist? Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: tenant rights
You are certainly free to negotiate with your landlord for lower rent. S/he is also free to deny your request.
You certainly may call the police if there are people engaged in underaged drinking and disturbing tenants/neighbors.
Your best move, however, is probably to notify your landlord that you wish to terminate your lease and then move out.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you would like to schedule a consultation.
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