how do i find an attorney to.help me recover rent paid in an.illegal apsttment in.worcester ma

by Cristal McClure 8 min read

How do I find a lawyer for a landlord-tenant case?

How an Attorney Can Help. If not just evicting a tenant, but also trying to recover for losses or damages, the help of an attorney is invaluable. The lawyer will be able to make sure all the requisite paperwork and all the necessary steps for both …

Where can I find a list of lawyers in Massachusetts?

Oct 10, 2011 · How to Get a Lawyer's Help. If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find an Excellent Lawyer" or go straight to Nolo's Lawyer Directory. Hire a lawyer as a "coach." Hiring a lawyer doesn't have to break the bank.

Where can I get free legal help in Massachusetts?

Aug 11, 2021 · Find a Lawyer and Affordable Legal Aid. Learn what questions to ask when choosing a lawyer. And find organizations that give free legal advice and may help you find a free or low-cost attorney. What to Look for in a Lawyer. Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include: Criminal law. Family law. Landlords and ...

Do I need a lawyer for tenant remedies?

A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage ...

Can you sue landlord for emotional distress?

Can I sue my landlord for pain and suffering? As part of a personal injury claim, you could be compensated for any pain or suffering you were caused to experience as a result of your landlord's failings. This includes physical and psychiatric harm, as well as financial losses.Jul 1, 2021

Can I sue my landlord for renting an illegal apartment Massachusetts?

"If you voluntarily pay rent in an illegal apartment, you cannot get it back. ... However, you might have grounds to sue your landlord, if you can prove that they misrepresented the apartment as legit when they knew, in fact, it was not.Sep 17, 2018

What is the penalty for illegal eviction?

If you are found guilty of illegal eviction, you will face a fine and in some cases a jail term. The fine will not be the only financial impact as you may be required to pay compensation to your tenant if you have not followed the correct procedure.Sep 7, 2018

How can I get my landlord in trouble?

If you think your landlord is violating the Fair Housing Act, you can get that landlord in trouble by filing a complaint at HUD.gov. Your remedy for breach of quiet enjoyment is to terminate the lease and move or sue in small claims court.Aug 6, 2021

Can a landlord collect rent without a certificate of occupancy NJ?

In towns where certificates of occupancy are required, a dwelling rented without a certificate of occupancy constitutes an illegal contract. ... 1992), the Court ruled that a landlord who rents a dwelling without a certificate of occupancy does not have the right to file a suit for rents.Oct 31, 2011

Can I rent my basement in Massachusetts?

In order for a basement apartment to be legal, there must be at least two working exits in the event of an emergency. Under the guidelines of the Boston housing code, all basement apartments must also contain a window that makes up at least eight percent of the rental unit.

What is classed as an illegal eviction?

An illegal eviction takes place if a landlord or letting agent makes you leave your home without following the right procedure.

Is illegal eviction a criminal offence?

Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. The fact that your landlord owns your home does not give them a right to evict you in any way they see fit. Your landlord must give you the right kind of notice.

What is an illegal occupier?

Unauthorised occupation covers a multitude of situations including unauthorised assignment / exchange, people staying on following death of tenant, residents who have no right to succeed, children remaining after the parents have moved.

What your landlord Cannot do?

An immediate action where the landlord decides to lock you out of the property is against the rules. He can also not stop the supply of utilities. Even though he owns the property, a landlord cannot enter the premises without informing you or in your absence.Jul 29, 2021

How do I sue my landlord?

Send a letter of claimexplain the problem.give details of how and when you told the landlord.set out clearly what you're asking for in terms of repairs and compensation.state that you intend to take court action if they don't put things right within 20 working days.Mar 18, 2020

Can the landlord kick you out?

You may need to engage your landlord if the notice to vacate is lawful. The landlord cannot evict you for no reason - merely because they want you out. There are legal regulations guiding the termination of a lease agreement.Oct 2, 2020

Your Landlord Is Evicting You

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a lawye...

Your Landlord Is Evicting You Without Proper Court Procedures

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hand...

Your Landlord Discriminates Against You

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any...

Your Landlord Won't Make Necessary Repairs

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the land...

Your Landlord Isn't Fulfilling His Promises

Sometimes, landlords make promises to encourage hesitant applicants to rent from them. For example, if an applicant is concerned about the neighbor...

You've been Injured Or Made Ill

Accidents can happen, even at a well-run rental property. However, if an accident is the result of the landlord's carelessness, you may have a lega...

Your Property Has been Damaged

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring re...

How to Get A Lawyer's Help

If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find a...

What to do if landlord serves termination notice?

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions.

Is it expensive to hire a lawyer?

Lawyers are expensive, but there are times when hiring one might be necessary to protect your rights as a renter. By Janet Portman, Attorney. Many issues tenants face are minor and can be easily resolved by common sense and checking reputable resources on landlord-tenant law, such as a local tenants' rights group.

What to do if landlord evicts you?

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hands—for example, by locking you out, canceling your utilities, or even removing your doors, windows, or possessions—consider hiring a lawyer.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

What happens if you don't have renters insurance?

If you have renter's insurance, your insurance company will cover the loss and its lawyers will then seek reimbursement from your landlord. If you don't have insurance or have inadequate coverage and the damage to your property is substantial, consider hiring a lawyer to help you obtain reimbursement from your landlord.

What is tenant rights?

The more you know the law and your legal rights, the better. The Tenant Rights section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides a wide variety of state and local resources, including links to fair housing groups, rent control boards, tenant unions, and legal aid organizations for each state ;

What happens if your landlord doesn't fulfill your lease?

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the landlord who keeps putting off needed heating system repairs until winter is well under way, or the landlord who ignores a ground-floor tenant's requests to fix a broken window until a burglary occurs.

What is an individual lawyer?

Individual lawyers (also called attorneys) are experts in different areas of the law. Some attorneys specialize in a certain field of law, such as business, civil, criminal, or juvenile law. You will need to determine which type of attorney is right for your legal situation.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Keep in mind, Chapter 7 bankruptcy information stays on your credit report for 10 years. This can make it hard to get credit, buy a home, receive life insurance, or get a job. Learn more about bankruptcy, and other options for dealing with debt .

What can a landlord/tenant lawyer do?

A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage, ...

What is a tenant lawyer?

On the other hand, a landlord / tenant lawyer also helps landlords who have tenants breaking rules, such as moving out three months early or refusing to pay rent. Tenant eviction laws are very specific, with different rules in each city.

What is a lawyer for the day?

Lawyer for the Day programs. In some courts, there are programs where volunteer lawyers spend a day helping people with their cases. These are called Lawyer for the Day programs. Each Lawyer for the Day program gives different types of help. Check with the court where your case is to find out:

What is limited assistance representation?

Legal help for a part of a case: “Limited Assistance Representation” from a lawyer. Typically, lawyers represent clients for a whole case. However, there is a way to get legal help just for part of a case. This is called “Limited Assistance Representation” or “LAR.”. With LAR, you and a lawyer agree what parts of a case you will handle ...

What is the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers?

The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers handles complaints about lawyers. The BBO has a section called “Rules and Decisions.” There you can see if there are any decisions against attorneys . You also look up lawyers in the Look Up an Attorney section to see if there has been any “Public Discipline” against them.

What happens if you sign a lease?

If a tenant signs a fixed-term lease, they must pay rent for the full-term. There are only exceptions in two cases: 1 They left the property early for a protected reason 2 You found a new tenant for the rest of their term

What happens if a tenant breaks a lease?

What You’re Owed if a Tenant Breaks a Fixed Term Lease. If a tenant signs a fixed-term lease, they must pay rent for the full-term. There are only exceptions in two cases: They left the property early for a protected reason. You found a new tenant for the rest of their term. It’s your duty as a landlord to find a new tenant for the rest ...

Why is it important to have a lease?

Having a lease is particularly important if you’re seeking back rent from a month-to-month tenant who moved out. If your contract didn’t specify that they needed to provide 30 days’ notice, and they moved out abruptly, then you’ll have a harder time getting back rent. You should have rental agreements with all tenants, ...

What happens if you don't have a written agreement?

While that’s better than nothing at all, it’s less likely to stand up, even in small claims court. The burden of proof is then on you to prove what the tenant owes, when, and how the tenant violated the agreement.

Can you let a vacant house sit?

You cannot let the property sit vacant without advertising or showing it and continue to pursue the previous tenant for back rent. For example, if the tenant leaves six months into their contract, then you must look for a new tenant. If you can’t show the court that you advertised and showed the property, you may struggle to collect ...

What to do if tenant doesn't pay rent?

However, the court does not collect the money on your behalf. If the tenant doesn’t pay, you may need to ask an attorney for help. It’s important to attend small claims court with a solid case.

Richard J. Chertock

There is no state law that allows you to recover for rents already paid. You missed your chance. You could have withheld rent due to constructive eviction and breach of warranty of habitability and as a month to month tenant you could have moved out at any time on thirty days notice. Instead, you chose to stay and pay rent.

Steven Warren Smollens

Dear Long Beach Tenant:#N#So why did you endure these horrible living conditions and not take advantage of your tenant right to charge the landlord with a constructive eviction and move out? With a month to month tenancy, all you needed to do to end the relation was...