Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Should I continue to pay rent on a basement apt i have rented for 2 yrs that now has a family moved in upstairs that are not paying rent and are going to court with the owners/ realtor because they called the board of health and had them come in to list all the code violations in the house and i was told by them ( the renters upstairs ) that my apt is illegal because i do not have a second entrance. They are going to court in a couple of weeks and anything could happen. The realtors did tell me the house is listed as single family with the town. Should i save up and move to get out of this mess or continue to pay rent ? This on top of many other issues i have had


Asked on 3/19/10, 10:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Warren Wood Law Offices of Warren Wood

You may wish to verify with the clerk of the court that this legal action, which you mention, is actually occuring (a visit to the court clerk is probably best); Check with the town bulding inspector to confirm these code violations; seek further legal help in drafting a letter to the owners stating your complaints (and possibly holding your rent in a trust account , as provided by law).

The clerk of the court; your local county law reference librarian, county bar association, and a host of housing non-profits may be available to further assist you. Good Luck.

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Answered on 3/24/10, 10:33 am


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