Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Remove thermostat

I have terminal cancer, stage four. My landlord has changed my thermostat after five years of controlling my own heat (he pays heat). The highest it can be set at is 70 degrees. However, it is only 70 near the thermostat. Some rooms are 62 degrees because it is an old home.

I am on a blood thinner because I have blood clots, so I am cold all of the time..

It 70 legal? What can I do?


Asked on 10/14/02, 8:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Trant Law Office of Robert R. Trant

Re: Remove thermostat

The heating season runs from September 16 through June 14th, during which every room must be heated to between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and not more than 78 degrees Fahrenheit between 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit at all other hours.

You should talk to the landlord and request that he/she check the heat in each of the rooms to ensure each room is properly heated. You could also call the Board of Health in your city/town and ask for an inspection to see if there is proper heat in the each room of the unit. They will also check to see if there other violations of the state sanitary code.

Read more
Answered on 10/15/02, 10:08 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Massachusetts