Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Is a child a tenent in a parent's home?

I am a 20-year-old residing alone in a condo that my mother and father purchased. My name is not on the deed. I do not pay rent, and there has been no verbal or written terms of agreement for my living here.

I would now like to get a dog, which is allowed in my building. However, I am fairly certain that my parents would not approve.

Because I do not have a written contract with them expressing whether or not I am allowed to have a pet, and we have not verbally discussed it, would I have any legal authority if I chose to purchase and keep a dog in the condo? Can I legally do that without informing my parents?

I plan on getting a small dog and protecting the condominium from any potential damage, so does that factor in?


Asked on 4/24/07, 1:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Is a child a tenent in a parent's home?

the short answer is that legally you do not have the right to get a dog without their permission. The rules with respect to the use of the condo are set by the owner, provided they do not violate the condo association rules. So if the Condo Association allows dogs but your parents don't their rule supercedes the Condo Association. If the Condo Association did not allow dogs, your parents could not permit them either.

I would simply ask your parents and get permission.

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Answered on 4/24/07, 11:08 am


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