Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Re: rental question

I assume that this is a residential tenancy.

Your landlord is not allowed to charge you for utilities or heating oil unless they are separately metered and exclusive to your unit.

If you are sure that he is improperly charging, you may want to seek a housing inspection from your local health department or other residential housing agency (the big cities have specialized agencies). This would document the situation. The agency can then seek relief for you.

You also have the right to refuse. Such refusal should be in writing, and you should get individual legal advice before proceeding.

This process should lead to proper crediting. Be aware that landlords retaliate, regardless of the legality of retaliation.

Greg Lee

www.gregleelaw.com