Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

How can you get out of a lease contract? We rented a house for 7800 dollars a month (2 year contract) outside of Boston, but it doesn't live up to the standards such a price would imply. After living there for a few weeks (lease started in June but we moved in two weeks ago), we start to notice many flaws in the house. Sewage system not working properly, which causes flooding on the lower basement, we have over 5 bath rooms but can't shower more than a few people at once or shortly after another in order to prevent the sewer system from collapsing. The landlord has begun to do construction work in the back yard and in the attic, but has not been informing us why or has given any estimate on how long it will take. After we came back after summer in order to move in we noticed that the house had been used while we were gone (Starbucks cup next to toilet of master bedroom etc.). When we moved in approximately two weeks ago there was no gas and consequently no hot water or possibility to cook food or shower. The landlord had not informed us that he had instructed the gas company to turn off the gas under his name and that we need to turn it back on through national grid. We finally managed to get National Grid to come and turn on the gas this Thursday which is around two weeks after the landlord was informed of the issue. Other flaws around the house consist of light switches not working, smell of mold on the lower floor.


Asked on 9/09/11, 10:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

I would have to review your least agreement to see what provisions are made for termination. If there are issues with the home, one of the first things you should do is contact your local board of health and have them come do an inspection. That inspection report will help you to establish any violations of the sanitary or housing codes. If you are not happy with the property, there is always the possibility that the parties can simply agree to terminate the lease early. You should speak with your landlord, and retain counsel to protect your interests.

Read more
Answered on 9/12/11, 6:55 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Massachusetts