Partner
Not every rental issue requires legal help, but some problems are too big—or too risky—to handle on your own. As a Massachusetts landlord, you may be dealing with a variety of situations that range from routine maintenance requests to serious legal disputes. When a problem affects your rights, your finances, or your property, it’s worth asking: is it time to call a lawyer? In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the most common reasons landlords reach out to us and how we can help you move forward.
Evictions That Aren’t Going Smoothly
Evictions can be complicated, even when you have a solid reason to remove a tenant. Maybe they stopped paying rent. Maybe they’ve violated the lease or damaged the property. At first, it may seem like something you can handle yourself. But if the tenant refuses to leave or fights the eviction in court, things can get tricky.
Massachusetts law has specific requirements for evictions—miss one step and you could end up starting the process all over again. A lawyer can help by:
- Making sure you serve the correct notice
- Filing paperwork properly and on time
- Representing you in housing court, if needed
Evictions don’t have to be messy, but they do need to follow the rules. We’re here to guide you through it and protect your interests along the way.
Disputes Over the Lease Agreement
Lease agreements are supposed to prevent misunderstandings—but sometimes they’re the source of them. You might run into issues like:
- Tenants keeping pets without permission
- Extra people living in the unit
- Late rent or bounced checks
- Disputes over security deposits
If your lease is vague or outdated, these problems can become hard to enforce. We can review the lease, clear up the confusion, and help you resolve the conflict. In some cases, we can negotiate directly with the tenant. In others, we may recommend more formal action. Either way, we’ll make sure your lease works better for you moving forward.
Fair Housing Complaints or Allegations
A fair housing complaint is something you want to take seriously. Whether it’s about race, disability, family status, or another protected category, these claims can lead to investigations and lawsuits. Even if you believe you’ve followed the law, you still need to respond carefully and with legal support.
We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, respond to complaints, and avoid actions that could be misinterpreted. These situations are sensitive and time-sensitive. Having a lawyer in your corner can help protect your reputation and keep the issue from escalating.
Property Damage, Safety Issues, or Liability Claims
Sometimes things go wrong. A tenant slips on ice in the driveway. A pipe bursts and damages their belongings. Or someone claims that a repair you didn’t make caused them harm. These incidents can lead to claims against you—sometimes with expensive consequences.
If you’re facing a liability claim or a demand for damages, we’ll step in to review the facts and help you respond. We’ll also work with your insurance provider if needed and help you avoid unnecessary payouts. These types of situations can be stressful. We’re here to take some of that weight off your shoulders and help you handle it the right way.
You’re Buying, Selling, or Transferring Rental Property
Whenever you’re dealing with a significant property transaction—buying, selling, or transferring ownership—it’s wise to have a lawyer involved. There’s more to it than just signing on the dotted line. We can help with:
- Drafting or reviewing purchase and sale agreements
- Handling title issues or transfer documents
- Structuring transfers into trusts or other estate planning tools
If you’re passing a rental property to a child or selling it as part of your retirement plan, we’ll make sure the transaction supports your long-term goals and complies with Massachusetts law.
Protect Your Property and Peace of Mind
Being a landlord comes with a long to-do list—and not every task needs legal help. But when something serious comes up, you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone. From difficult evictions to property transfers, we’re here to help you make sound decisions and protect what you’ve built.
If you’re not sure whether your situation calls for legal support, give us a call. At LaFountain & Wollman P.C., we’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out the next steps.