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Landlord/Tenant Law
Protecting Landlords and Tenants' Rights Across DC and Massachusetts
Let Us Help You Navigate the Complex World of Landlord-Tenant Law
Are you facing a landlord-tenant dispute? If so, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer for professional legal guidance. At Legall Law, we understand the complexities of landlord-tenant law and are committed to helping both landlords and tenants protect their rights.
Although renting a home can free you from the stresses of owning property, such as paying hefty taxes and managing large repairs, there are still several issues that may arise between landlords and tenants.
That’s why states have established laws that outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants that both parties must follow.
At Legall Law, we provide comprehensive legal services for landlords and tenants in Washington DC and Massachusetts. Our experienced landlord-tenant team have successfully represented clients in a variety of legal matters pertaining to rental properties. Whether you are a landlord or tenant looking to protect your rights, let us help you. We will work with you throughout the process. We will help navigate you through the legal system to arrive at the best possible solution under the confines of the law.
Common Landlord/Tenant Issues
Legal issues concerning real estate and the landlord/tenant relationships are wide-ranging and often complex. They include but are not limited to the following:
When renting a property, tenants are required to place a security deposit with the landlord in order to secure rental rights. When the tenant moves out, the landlord must return any applicable portion of the deposit within 45 days after the termination of tenancy (with interest in some cases) or provide a written statement specifying any deductions taken. From there, they have an additional 30 days to refund the remainder of said deposit. The landlord must provide to the tenant a detailed statement of the repairs and other uses to which the deposit was applied.
Our experienced landlord-tenant team can help both landlords and tenants understand their rights. We can help to settle any disputes that may arise between both parties.
In Washington D.C and Massachusetts, landlords are generally able to increase rent so long as they give their tenants prior notice, usually 30 days. However, if the unit is subject to rent control laws, then the increase may only be implemented once every twelve months - unless there's been an occupancy change. Tenants have the right to dispute rent increases in certain circumstances, such as if the increase is greater than what's allowed by local law or if it's being done in order to retaliate against the tenant.
Both landlords and tenants are prohibited from discriminating against each other based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. It is strictly prohibited to refuse to rent a unit or falsely advertise its availability because of any of the protected classes.
A written lease agreement is an important document that outlines the terms of the rental agreement, such as the length and cost of the lease, any security deposits required, and other terms and conditions. When the lease agreement is signed by both parties, it is legally binding and must be followed. If either party fails to fulfill its obligation, they may be liable for damages in a legal dispute and may face eviction. Landlords and tenants may need to consult with a lawyer to resolve the issue.
In extreme cases, landlords may pursue an eviction when a tenant fails to pay rent or otherwise violates the terms of the lease agreement. Tenants also have rights when it comes to evictions, such as the right to notice and an opportunity to correct the issue before being evicted from the rental property. In the event of an eviction, landlords, and tenants may benefit from consulting with a lawyer to ensure their rights are respected.
Landlords and tenants have an obligation to maintain the cleanliness and habitability of the rental property. Landlords must ensure that necessary repairs are completed in a timely manner and that any health or safety risks are addressed. Tenants also have an obligation to follow certain maintenance guidelines, such as notifying the landlord of any needed repairs and abiding by local noise ordinances. Nevertheless, it is not the landlord's responsibility to repair any damage caused by the intentional or careless behavior of either the tenant or visitors.
When a tenant is injured due to the negligence of the landlord, they may be able to seek compensation for their medical bills and other costs associated with the injury. If you’re experiencing a similar situation consult with Legall Law today.
How Can Legall Law Help you?
As the demand for rental properties in commercial and residential areas continues to skyrocket, more stringent landlord-tenant laws have been established. This is a critical issue with far-reaching impacts; it can affect a tenant’s ability to find and maintain suitable housing or a landlord’s ability to run their business with minimal risk.
At Legall Law, our team have experience in landlord-tenant law, which includes:
- Drafting and reviewing lease agreements
- Navigating housing code violations
- Pursuing evictions and settlements
- Explaining rent control and rent stabilization laws
- Defending discrimination claims