Massachusetts Repair Request Letter
Under the housing laws of Massachusetts(the State Sanitary Code), landlords have an obligation to repair and maintain their apartments and rental properties to ensure that tenants are safe and that the premises are habitable. Landlords must ensure that common wear and tear be addresses and major issues like broken water pipes, faulty electric systems, heating and cooling problems and structural problems(this includes floors, windows, foundations, roof, chimneys, stairwells, porches, walls, doors, and ceilings) must be repaired when necessary. The landlord is also responsible to ensure that issues that pose a health hazard to the tenants like rodent infestations and mold are taken care of in a timely manner. Be sure to also go through the lease to make sure that it doesn't waive your tenancy rights to have the landlord maintain and repair the property.
A tenant who needs repairs on their rental property has the right to demand better conditions by sending a formal letter to the landlord, itemizing the repairs in detail. The HomeTitan Repair Request letter has been professionally written to ensure that you address all the repairs needed and that it is in the landlord's best interest to make the repairs in a reasonable timeframe. To prompt the landlord this letter details the specific Massachusetts laws making them aware that they risk legal consequences if they do not address or fix the issues.
Can you repair and deduct in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts housing laws give tenants the right to "Repair and deduct" if the landlord doesn't make repairs which basically means you can make the repairs and deduct the costs from the rent. One can also withhold rent under the state's warranty of habitability. However, requesting in writing gives the landlord a reasonable time frame to make the repairs and reminds them that you are ready to take the necessary steps to pursue legal remedies.
As with all written correspondence to a landlord it is recommended to send this letter via certified mail, to get return receipt which can be used for future reference. Also save a copy of the letter for your own records.
