Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

I'm going to be moving in and become a roommate to my sister and her boyfriend and they just gave me a rental agreement...Some of the clauses included seem ridiculous to me, but I'm not sure if it's just that I haven't ever had to sign a rental agreement before and I don't know what to expect or that it really is crazy. It includes a guest policy, where I'm allowed one overnight guest for one night only and further specifies that anyone staying for more than two days consecutively has to be added to the lease or I will need written authorization from the landlord. There is a "cleaning day", that is set at a specific time every Wednesday where he will dictate what chores I have to do and if he wants, he can move it to Sunday night and I have to keep both time frames open every week. If there is a scheduling conflict, I have to give him 72 hours written notice. It specifies that if any of his "property" is removed from the premises without his permission, this rental agreement is terminated and that any damage that he determines is my fault, I am financially responsible for, while specifying that they are not responsible for anything that happens to my stuff. I asked about a lot of these things and they kind of waved away all of my concerns, but it even states in the agreement that any statements or promises that aren't in writing as part of the agreement are not legally binding. Is this crazy or am I imagining it?


Asked on 10/09/12, 8:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Have the agreement reviewed by an attorney. They are trying to protect themselves, but some of the clauses may be so subjective that they could cause you potential problems. If I were you, I would find another situation.

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Answered on 10/19/12, 5:41 pm


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