Finding an apartment in Boston can be stressful. The rental market is tough as the city is filled with college students, young professionals, and baby boomers looking to trade down. On top of that, as in every big city, you have to deal with unscrupulous landlords looking to take advantage of the vulnerable.
But as a prospective tenant, you should know that you are protected by the law and have Massachusetts tenant rights even before you sign a lease.
First, you should know that finder's fees are legal -- for the most part. And there is no limit on finder's fees, so you and a real estate broker can agree upon whatever figure you want. However, not everyone can ask for a finder's fee. In fact, only a licensed real estate broker or salesperson can charge you a fee for finding an apartment, and a lot of the people showing apartments are neither. It's illegal for anyone else to charge you this fee.
Second, pre-payments are legal, but again there are rules. Before you move in, the landlord can collect at most the first and last month's rent, a month's security deposit, and the purchase and installation costs for lock and key. Anything more may be illegal, including additional "fees" for poor credit or children.
Third, under no circumstance can you be denied an apartment or the right to view an apartment for a discriminatory reason. So you cannot be denied a housing opportunity due to race, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, military background or service, sex, sexual preference, marital status, blindness, deafness, or the need of a guide dog.
Massachusetts tenant rights begin before you even start a lease. Know these rights as you start your apartment hunt.
Related Resources:
- Find a Boston Landlord-Tenant Attorney (FindLaw)
- Tenant Rights (FindLaw)
- Ask A Question about Real Estate now (FindLaw Answers)
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