Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

How much will it costs me to get a lawyer to fight against a noisy neighbors. My case is as follow:

I was leaving in this house since 2008 on the second floor. In 2009 new neighbor came to live on the 3rd floor. We signed the lease for 1st year and after that we did not sign any paper or renwed our lease. In 2010 our neighbor had a kid which is good. but after one year the kid and the mother start making an awful noise. We also smell the smoke marijouina from her Apt . I had to call the police and talk to the landlord for many times. I asked the landlord to have them switch the Apt with us so we can leave in peace but he didn't like the idea. I am living under a huge stress from these disrespect-able neighbor. Is there any suggestion beside leaving the house? Can I force my landlord to oblige this neighbor to switch apartment so I can live on the 3rd floor since they have a kid?? Can I asked the landlord to put carpet on the 3rd floor or to provide proper sound insulation between the floors ?as I can hear my neighbor conversation most of the time. If the landlord refuses to cooperate do I have the right to stop my rent payment or pay less till he resolves this issues or I just have to go to court to get these requirements enforce by Law.


Asked on 4/02/13, 10:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Skinner, III Associated Attorneys of New England

There are some restrictions on what we can and can't say/publish regarding price. Generally, you should know that hourly rates range from about $150/hour to $1,000/hour. Initial retainer deposits range from about $1,000 to $5,000. Your retainer is then deposited into a Trust account.

You are then billed hourly for the work, usually monthly, and your funds are deducted from your Trust account. When your Trust account balances drops below a certain figure, you must then make additional retainer deposits to maintain legal services. The total cost then, will depend on your and your lawyer. What your hourly rates are, and how long you want to continue on with legal services will calculate your total cost.

My advice to you is to make arrangements to move out. It is most likely not worth your time, money, and aggravation trying to fight this.

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Answered on 4/02/13, 11:24 am


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