Purpose:
The Landlord is responsible for making repairs but is not required to keep the unit looking like new. Ordinary wear and tear does not have to be repaired during tenancy.
The lease prohibits Tenants from making their own repairs or alterations. In exchange for reserving the right to make all necessary repairs, the law imposes this responsibility on the Landlord. We take this responsibility even further and agree to take care of all appliances we supplied as well. These repairs are free of charge to Tenants.
When Tenants or their guests cause repair problems — either carelessly or intentionally — the Tenants are responsible. Since Tenants cannot make repairs, the tenant may be charged for repair costs depending on the situation. Because we strive for tenant satisfaction, we try to avoid charging Tenants for repair services.
1. Tenant Repairs Are Prohibited
Tenants performing their own repairs can have serious negative consequences:
- If a Tenant performs or arranges their own repairs and a repair is not done properly, it could cause further damage which the Tenant would be liable for.
- If during the course of a Tenant repair the Tenant, Tenant's employee, or someone else is injured, or the repair is done improperly resulting in an injury, the Tenant could be liable.
- Tenants performing their own repairs complicates the Landlord's accounting and maintenance records. The Landlord will not be able to accurately track maintenance schedules, costs, and itemizations.
- Tenants performing their own repairs may be evicted for violating their lease terms.
For these reasons, repairs are the Landlord's responsibility.
2. Our Repair Standards
We utilize properly licensed, insured, and qualified professionals for maintenance and repairs. We take pride in quick and efficient response to residents' complaints and requests for repairs. Every six months we will send you a "Semiannual Safety and Maintenance Update Form." To help us keep your unit and common areas in excellent condition, we ask that you fill out this form.
We try to complete all necessary repairs within 14 days or less. If the issue is an emergency and puts into jeopardy the Tenant's health or safety, or could result in substantial property damage, please contact the Landlord/Manager immediately.
3. How to Request a Repair
If there is any issue with your unit that requires a repair, please contact us at:
- Phone/Text: 617-777-5678
- Non-Emergency Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
- Emergency: Call any time
- Email: [email protected]
4. What Constitutes an Emergency
While something may be annoying and an inconvenience, not every defect in a rental property is an emergency. For example, a hot water heater that can only reach 107°F (short of the code-specified 110°F) is not an emergency.
5. Rent Withholding
Under Massachusetts state law, withholding rent until repairs are made is only allowed when the defects make the premises unfit for habitation. This is according to Mass. Gen. Laws Part III, Title III, Chapter 239, § 8A and Mass. Gen. Laws Part III, Title III, Chapter 111, § 127L.
6. Government Complaints & Non-Retaliation
While you certainly have a legal right to complain to a government agency about any problems, we ask that you please give us the opportunity to address the issue first. We will never discriminate or retaliate against Tenants for engaging in legally protected actions, such as complaining to a government agency or membership in a tenant rights organization.
Thank you for taking the time to read this note on our repair policy. You may rest assured that we will do everything we can to accommodate your repair and maintenance issues.
The Tenant understands that violation of this policy is a default of the lease.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding this policy, tenants may contact the property management office at:
Policy Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and to address tenant and operational needs.
Effective Date: 23rd day of October 2023