Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

security deposit

I rented a townhouse and signed a 1 yr. lease under very pressured circumstances.I paid$2400 plus $50. for the key.After living there for a few weeks I relised I had been misinformed about the terrible living quailty I had moved into.Also I had an unforseeable set back due to foot surgery. I asked to be released from lease. Left apartment spotless. Has not returned my deposit ater many requests.What are my options?He recently accepted an offer on a sale of it.


Asked on 1/08/02, 9:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Cobb Charles Cobb, Attorney At Law

Re: security deposit

Hi

This is a good question. In Massachusetts, the rules for bookkeeping of security deposits are so detailed and the penalties for failure to follow each rule are so clear, I advise clients who are landlords not to take a security deposit. I tell them to take the last month's rent in advance only.

Here is a link to a site rich with information.

http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/landlord.html

You should call a lawyer and hire one. All claims have time deadlines. I can't say here which would apply to you.

Best wishes.

Charles W. Cobb

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Answered on 1/08/02, 10:02 am


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