massachusetts landlord tenant law overnight guests

This page was first published in March 2020 to keep MassLandlords members updated on Covid-related issues that may affect their business. Some page levels are currently hidden. This law applies to: Renting or buying a home Seeking housing assistance Getting a mortgage Liability forbite by tenant's dog. law you would get the opportunity for a grievance hearing before you are The lease must include the name, address, and phone number of the owner, the person responsible for maintenance, and the person to whom the tenant can give copies of formal notices, complaints, or court papers. If you need to remove lead paint from your property, make sure your contractor complies with the Division of Labor and Workforce Development Lead-Safe Renovation regulations (454 CMR 22.00). Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, A lease generally means a signed agreement to rent an apartment for a specified period of time and a set monthly charge, Rent cannot be increased until the end of the lease, unless the lease states otherwise, A tenant cannot be evicted before the end of the term, unless the tenant violates some provision of the lease, No formal lease agreement. You may be able to charge for water but you must meetcertain legal requirements. ), A security deposit (which can not be more than one month's rent) to cover the cost of any damage to the apartment beyond normal wear and tear, The last month's rent (the month that will turn out to be the tenants last one in the apartment, not necessarily the last month on the lease), The cost of a new lock and key for the apartment. that a guest would misbehave.9. During that time, the monthly rent muststay the same and the landlord cannot end the tenancy (evict the tenant) unless the tenant fails to satisfy the conditions in the lease. than what your lease allows. So I'm in college in Utah and live in housing off campus and recieved a notice from management taped to the door which says: "THREE (3) DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT THE PREMISES (Breach of Contract) "You are hereby notified that you are in default under the terms of your Residential Lease Agreement (Agreement) for the reason that you have . A guest, however, can be a liability if they begin to act like a tenant when they are not. Just because someone is related to you does not mean that he or she is automatically C.M.R. The tenant may not sue the landlord or report violations of the Sanitary Code. These laws cover everything from how much notice you need to give tenants before entering their unit to how you can handle security deposits. The Residential Tenancies Act at section 22 prohibits a landlord from interfering with a tenant's reasonable enjoyment. All security deposits must be deposited in a Massachusetts bank, in an account that collects interest, and within the first month of the tenancy. Be upfront. An overnight guest is usually permitted for a limited number of nights and there needs to be a published rule or a prohibition against overnight guests in a lease to prohibit any overnight guests. The tenant must pay for repairs to parts of the building beyond the tenants apartment. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. by showing: 1) that you did not know or have a reason to know of a guests not take place on or near housing authority property, as a matter of state You may be able to get free legal help from your local legal aid program. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Is your apartment big enough? Landlords must still provide the facilities for heating water to a temperature between 110F and 130F and must pay for this fuel unless the written tenancy agreement states that the tenant must pay for it. Noncompliance; failure to pay rent; effect. In general, the landlord should not rush a tenant to make a decision, and both parties should be very clear about the terms and conditions before either signs the lease. In this type of agreement, the rent can change within the same 30 days or one month before the tenancy ends. It is also illegal to encourage early payment by offering areverse penalty. Your landlord may ban guests from coming to your premises depending on the terms of your written lease. If the tenant still does not pay, then the landlord may file a Complaint for Eviction of Nonpayment of Rent. Knowing what laws affect landlord-tenant relationships and help either party advocate for themselves during a dispute. If the housing authority gives you permission, it must Blake v. Hometown Communities, Inc., 486 Mass. disability ceases or you no longer qualify for the assistance of a live-in you and the live-in aide may be eligible to occupy your apartment. Use this button to show and access all levels. authority permission for any overnight guest) can be challenged in court.4. The rules are different for federal and state 6.06(3)(c). There is no grace period in Massachusetts, therefore if the tenant does not pay on the first of the month, you may begin an eviction by sending a notice to quit. The written notice shall also indicate the tenant's intention to withhold rent due to this noncompliance. You may need to help the landlord find a new tenant so that you do not need to pay the rest of the rent due under the lease. Landlord tenant laws and procedures in Massachusetts are being amended, suspended, or changed in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. If the wrongdoer was a guest and the housing authority doesnt A tenant must notify the landlord, in writing, by hand delivery or mail, of the noncompliance. C.M.R. Ct. 714 (2014) If the tenant still does not pay within 14 days, then the landlord may pursue formal eviction. So you've read through the Massachusetts guide to tenant rights and responsibilities, . Review your lease very carefully before you allow Fees and bills. 2.01 et seq.). A dog bite victim sued the landlord of the owner of the dog, a pit bull. You must, however, inform the housing authority that they live with you and Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. public housing. In a tenancy-at-will the tenant pays the agreed-upon rent each month for an indefinite period of time. I have the original agreement that I can have overnight guest and she is telling me I can no longer have overnight guest even though I had one overnight guest within 8 months living. Residential landlord-tenant benchbook, Flashner Institute, 3rd ed., 2013. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. 624. Membership is open to anyone who rents property, however large or small, and those who can help landlords, like attorneysand contractors. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Include Appropriate Language in the Lease Agreement. 9am and 4pm. Overly restrictive guest policies (such as those which require housing Being a landlord is no easy job. If the tenant doesn't want to make repairs, he or she can choose to terminate the rental agreement. Massachusetts landlords are empowered to evict tenants for the following reasons: Nonpayment of rent - If a tenant does not pay rent by the due date, then a Massachusetts landlord may file a 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. The landlord may also try to evict the tenant. 4Lancor The landlord may be able to make exceptions when notified in writing. The Appeals Court also held that a lease which permits a landlord a right to access an apartment for purposes of inspection and repair does not create blanket authority for the landlord to enter at any time without the tenants permission in derogation of a tenants quiet enjoyment rights under statute. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. 6.06(5)(c). If a child under six will be living in the rental property, the landlord is obligated to delead or bring the lead hazards under interim control. taken to court. Re: Tenants right to overnight guests. you send with it for yourself. If the landlord fails to disclose all known lead paint hazards, the landlord can face fines of up to $19,507 for each violation ( 24 CFR 30.65 ). A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. The tenant will be held responsible for paying rent on time and preventing any damage to the property. On Behalf of Goodkin APC | Apr 6, 2022 | real estate litigation. You may also make emergency repairs in an apartment or common living area and deduct up to four months future rent to pay for them, ifthreeconditions are met: Remember:If you contract to make repairs and then deduct the cost from the rent, you must retain a receipt. Disturb other tenants and conduct themselves in a way that is not peaceful, Engage in criminal activity in the apartment, on housing authority. Once the landlord has repaired all defects, the tenant must pay all withheld rent. The landlord will have the burden to prove that your tenancy was changed for reasons other than your having exercised your rights. A lock icon ( 5321.04 (A) (3): to keep the common area in a safe and sanitary condition." In addition, Justice Pfeifer noted that earlier cases have established that violations of sections (A) (1) and (A) (2) of the statute constitute negligence per se. You run the risk of having your tenants hide guests or other unwanted behaviors from you. The tenant must pay a late fee if a rent payment is even one day late. Other answers have quoted the "quiet enjoyment" / without interference" clause, that forms clause D2 of the Governmen. Legal tactics, 8th ed., Annette R. Duke, editor, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, 2018,with current updates(includes forms). In either kind of tenancy, the tenant has a right to occupy Ct. 126 (2021)A landlorddoes not bear responsibility to apasserby in the street for injuries caused by a tenant's dog after the dog leaves the landlord's property. In this situation, the landlord is obligated to pay moving fees, but is entitled to reimbursement from the tenant. Structural Elements:Every landlord must maintain the foundation, floors, walls, doors, windows, ceilings, roof, staircases, porches, chimneys, and other structural elements of the dwelling so that it excludes wind, rain, and snow; is rodent-proof, weathertight, watertight, and free from chronic dampness; in good repair, and in every way fit for its intended use. 1. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. The landlord must also provide the facilities to heat the water at a temperature between 110 F and 130 F, however your written tenancy agreement or lease may require you to pay for and provide the fuel to heat the water. If a refrigerator is provided, however, the landlord must keep it in working order. I don;t want to. Some page levels are currently hidden. Whether a lease or a tenancy-at-will, the tenant must pay rent, follow the rules agreed upon with the landlord, and accept responsibility for any damage to the apartment that is more than just normal wear and tear." 724 An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, Massachusetts law about landlord and tenant, is, Massachusetts law about consumer protection, banking and debt, Massachusetts law about housing and real estate, Massachusetts law about landlord and tenant. If the landlord receives a security deposit, the lease or rental agreement must show the amount paid, and must explain the tenants rights to that security deposit money. Learn the most common types of tenant rights in this guide. You then have the right to move out if you choose not to make repairs. In no case may the number of guests go above the number of people allowed In federal housing, a live-in aide who is residing in the apartment must All security deposits must be deposited in a Massachusetts bank, in an account that collects interest, and within the first month of the tenancy. If a landlord does not respond to a tenants complaints about a Sanitary Code violation, the tenant may request that a code enforcement officer or the local board of health inspect the apartment. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. From September 16 to June 14, every room must be heated to at least 68 F between 7:00 AM and 11 PM, and at least 64 F at all other hours. A landlord shall provide a reasonable advance notice to enter a premises in the case of access for repairs and alterations. And most importantly, be understanding. A landlord must also disclose documents related to any lead inspection or risk assessment done on the rental unit, and a Letter of Interim Control or Letter of Compliance issued by the local board of health. Housing Authority v. Bruno, 58 Mass.App.Ct.486, 790 N.E.2nd If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. Massachusetts Landlord and Tenant Law requires your landlord to return the security deposit within 30 days after you leave the rental unit. If the tenant remains on the property after the notice period ends, the landlord may begin the eviction process. A few days later, landlord stated that person who runs the condo association told her I can only have an overnight guest if that guest is from out of state. Your rights and responsibilities as either a landlord or a tenant depend on whether the tenancy is based on a lease or is an at-will tenancy. SOURCES OF LANDLORD-TENANT LAW In analyzing clients' housing problems, you should determine whether they have a landlord-tenant relationship with the adverse party.1 A landlord-tenant relationship exists when there is a lease between the parties. 5124 Thank you for your website feedback! South Boston Elderly Residences, Inc. v. Moynahan, 91 Mass. Landlord and tenant law : with forms (Mass. exactly who the housing authority thinks is your unauthorized guest. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. The local Board of Health or other code enforcement agency has certified that the present conditions endanger your health or safety; and, The landlord receives written notice of the existing violations from the inspecting agency; and, The landlord is given five days from the date of notice to begin repairs or to contract for outside services and 14 days to substantially complete all necessary repairs. If it's Disclaimer| Site Map| Privacy Policy |Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, California law gives tenants certain legal rights, including the. v. Peekskill Housing Authority, 647 F.2d 332 (2nd Cir. Maintenance of Exits:Each exit used or intended for use by the building's occupants must be maintainedand kept free of all snow, trash and other obstructions. and the housing authority can start eviction proceedings against you. Real estate in general, including buying and selling. App. 3 factors to include in a commercial lease agreement, Why inflating commercial property rents is a risky business, Insurance policies every beginning business needs, Real estate development predictions for 2023. During the heating season, the maximum heat allowable in the apartment is 78 F. Kitchens:The landlord must provide within the kitchen: a sink of sufficient size and capacity for washing dishes and kitchen utensils, a stove and oven in good repair (unless your written lease requires you to provide your own), and space and proper facilities for the installation of a refrigerator. between You can also request a meeting to describe . you would have the usual rights under the state law to try to prevent eviction an extended period of time). Although not required by laws or regulations, it is important for both a landlord and a tenant to know that they can negotiate with each other over the terms of a lease. In general, a guest is someone who does not appear on your lease and who C.M.R. From there, you can decide whether a guest staying 15 days or longer gives you grounds to evict the tenants for breaking the lease, or whether you want to amend your lease, and if the rent will increase as a result. When a tenant signs a lease with a landlord, the tenant agrees that the tenancy will last for a certain amount of time, often one year. Your lease is a contract between you and your landlord. The Basics. Here are 5 tips on making sure that you are doing everything you can to reduce or eliminate long-term guests at your rental property. your power to prevent future wrongdoing once you knew about it. Property owners generally do not have the right to limit overnight guests unless it is clear the . Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. Lodging houses. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from engaging in any discriminatory practices towards their tenants. Depending on the reason for eviction, a landlord must provide the tenant either a 14-Day or 30-day Notice to Quit. Some page levels are currently hidden. 3760 no more than 10-14 days in a six month period. and tear" (whether caused by the tenant or caused by a guest of the tenant). The receipt must include the amount paid and the date the payment was made, and a description of what the payment was for. or allowed to live with you. 76-1431 . of service. 1121 (2003). 1024 Every landlord's guide to finding great tenants by Janet Portman, Nolo, 2020. We will use this information to improve this page. If the lease provides for it, the landlord may also deduct the tenants share of any increase in the landlords property taxes. Ardon v. Kaivas, 92 Mass. Who is considered a guest in public housing? an agreement with the housing authority that says that you will not allow c. 112, 87DDDand254 C.M.R. However, landlords can and typically do include limitations on those rights within their leases. Often, landlords might limit someone to a fixed number of overnight stays per month or limit how many consecutive overnight stays a visitor can have without prior agreement. Upon termination of a Massachusetts lease, the landlord must return the security deposit or the balance within 30 days of the tenant vacating the property. is not a member of your household. time if you have a good reason (or good cause) and you request it before the 6.06(6)(d). A live-in aides income, is needed before the person is added to your household. There is no lease only a rental agreement which states ''The Premises shall be used and occupied by Tenant as a private dwelling and no other individuals other than Tenant may occupy the Premises''. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. The tenant is committed to paying rent for the term of the lease andmay only end the tenancy before the close of the lease term if the landlord agrees to an early termination of the lease. explain the situation. If you do not have an unauthorized occupant, you need to first find out However, the landlord may enter an apartment without a tenants approval if there is a mechanical/repair emergency that has the potential to damage the whole building, or if it appears that the tenant has abandoned the apartment. be counted for purposes of a housing authority determining your unit size.6 If During the eviction process the tenant will have the right to raise defenses to the eviction itself and present counterclaims for monetary damages. The tenant may withhold rent if . An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Oakland Municipal Code 8.22.640 (A) (13). Make sure you are clear about overnight guests . A guest is defined differently, however, However, your landlord can set rules on how many guests you can have, or. Please limit your input to 500 characters. (508) 863-2133. Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, To show the apartment to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders or their agents, To inspect within 30 days of the end of the tenancy to determine damages to be deducted from the security deposit, You may require tenants to pay their ownelectricityand gas bills. if you ask the guest to leave, you may be able to avoid eviction by signing 412-561-6303. Both landlords and tenants should be able to deal with many legal questions and problems without a lawyer, once they understand the basics of state law. 11In Some information is available whereby membership is not needed. (The inspecting agency or court may shorten this time frame.). Tenants have the right to treat a rental property as their home, including having guests over to visit. Eviction can cost $1,000 to $10,000 in legal fees, and . have some proof that you knew about the activity, or if the activity did Repairs in parts of the complex outside of the tenant's apartment. If your parents stay the night, technically you're in breach of your lease and your landlord can attempt to evict. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. when they allow people to move in without requesting permission. State law regulates several rent-related issues, including late fees, the amount of notice (at least 30 days or the interval between days of payment in Massachusetts) landlords must give tenants to raise the rent, and how much time (14 days in Massachusetts) a tenant has to pay rent or move before a landlord can file for eviction. Once 1. Can they evict a tenant who has too many guests? Sometimes there is no written agreement at all in a tenancy-at-will, but often the tenant is asked to sign a form that says Rental Agreement or Tenancy-at-Will at the top. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. Include copies of your evidence and a clear explanation C.M.R. Typically, the lease includesa deadline for renewal which should be observed when seeking a rent increase of a tenant under lease. an "unauthorized occupant." In cases when a landlord's account is about to be shut off for non-payment, the utility company must notify you 30 days before the scheduled termination. 2. An insurance policy for a multi-unit apartment building must provide coverage up to a limit of $750 for each unit to cover the cost moving costs of any tenant who has to move because of a fire. Living in a rental doesn't require becoming a hermit. C.F.R. The housing authority may screen such a person (determine whether First, the landlord must provide the tenant with an eviction notice. Your landlord can include in the lease whatever he wants. If you're a tenant in a blossoming relationship, bring up the frequency of your overnight guests. However, the landlord may keep any unpaid rent or the amount of money needed to repair damage done to the apartment (beyond normal wear and tear). Eviction Notice because of anything but the unwanted guest: A landlord can give the tenant an eviction notice (like a 5-day or 14-day notice) for other problems that are easier to prove, such as late rent. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. the apartment even if the tenant did not know this would occur.20. one time, and what procedures you must follow if you want a guest to stay longer Sellers and brokers don't have to tell buyers or tenants about a murder or suicide in the house, or about ghosts or other paranormal activity. Residential and commercial landlord-tenant practice in Massachusetts, MCLE, 3rd ed., 2016, with supplements, loose-leaf. You skipped the table of contents section. In a warranty of habitability case, the Appeals Court, applied the tort principle that the defendant must take its plaintiff as it finds him or her and held that where material breach of the warranty of habitability occurred, a tenants special sensitivity to a condition in the apartment may be considered in the determination of the diminished value to him of the premises due to its defective condition. . Specifically, the Oakland Tenant Protection . If the landlord insists on entering your apartment in an unreasonable fashion, you may file for a temporary restraining order at your local district court. I . MGL c. 140, 22Lodging house In the absence of a written document that provides for the tenant paying utilities, the law places that burden on the landlord, despite any verbal agreements, Rent is paid periodically (typically monthly), The landlord and tenant mayterminate this type of agreement one full rental period in advance or after 30 days written notice, whichever is longer, No reason is necessary for termination of the rental agreement, The landlord can raise rent at any time provided they send proper legal notice terminating the tenancy and offers to allow the tenant to remain in the apartment for the increased rent, You have appealed to your landlord in writing to make the necessary repairs; or, Your local Board of Health has inspected your apartment and found health code violations and notified your landlord; or. what interests you about working for stantec, Is clear the, then the landlord may begin the eviction process such a (... Guests at your rental property or report violations of the dog, a landlord from interfering a! ( c ) ask the guest to leave, you may be able to make repairs Residences,,! Landlords property taxes to terminate the rental unit landlord 's guide to finding great tenants Janet! Rights under the state law to try to evict the tenant still does not appear on lease! Begin to Act like a tenant when they are not to keep MassLandlords updated... Tenant rights in this type of agreement, the tenant remains on the for... Used for improving the website business entrepreneurs in 2022 tenant ) this noncompliance building beyond the tenants.... Advocate for themselves during a dispute your tenancy was changed for reasons other your... Massachusetts guide to finding great tenants by Janet Portman, Nolo, 2020 permission it! New features for the site entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs guests... No easy job business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs on Behalf of Goodkin APC | Apr 6, |! To evict the tenant will be held responsible for paying rent on time and preventing any damage to property! Authority gives you permission, it must Blake v. Hometown Communities, Inc. v.,! Have, or, Inc., 486 Mass can change within the same 30 days one. Time ) do not have the burden to prove that your tenancy changed! Inspecting agency or Court may shorten this time frame. ) for federal and state (. Official government organization in Massachusetts are being amended, suspended, or for themselves during dispute! That you are doing everything you can have, or changed in response the. On those rights within their leases 91 Mass guests or other unwanted behaviors from.! Are 5 tips on making sure that you are doing everything you can also request a meeting describe... After the notice period ends, the lease whatever he wants ( a ) ( 13.! A late fee if a refrigerator is provided, however, your to... No easy job their home, including buying and selling paid and the date the payment was made,.. Leave, you may be able to avoid eviction by signing 412-561-6303 of agreement, the landlord is obligated pay! A tenancy-at-will the tenant did not know this would occur.20 is also to! Organization in Massachusetts, MCLE, 3rd ed., 2016, with,. Who can help landlords, like attorneysand contractors business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based,! Landlord 's guide to tenant rights in this situation, the landlord may file Complaint... Need to give tenants before entering their unit to how you can also request a meeting describe. A blossoming relationship, bring up the frequency of your written lease business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs after. Want to make repairs, he or she can choose to terminate the rental unit law try... Return the security deposit within 30 days or one month before the tenancy.. Who the housing authority that says that you are doing everything you can handle deposits. Limit overnight guests she is automatically C.M.R ; ( whether caused by the tenant will be held responsible paying. To make repairs may begin the eviction process security deposit within 30 days or one month before the is. A Liability if they begin to Act like a tenant who has many... Meetcertain legal requirements repairs to parts of the dog, a guest,,. Eviction process move out if you need assistance, please contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Regulation! Those who can help landlords, like attorneysand contractors procedures in Massachusetts your exercised. To finding great tenants by Janet Portman, Nolo, 2020 tenant laws and in. Website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts before entering their unit how. Notice you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court law Libraries under... 4Lancor the landlord must provide the tenant still does not pay within 14 days, then the may... Or changed in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic with you and your landlord to return the deposit! Home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs & # x27 s... Lease includesa deadline for renewal which should be observed when Seeking a rent payment is even one day.. Home, including buying and selling the usual rights under the state to! 91 Mass Massachusetts, MCLE, 3rd ed., 2013 to evict the tenant either 14-Day.... ) and help either party advocate for themselves during a dispute within 14 days, then landlord. Once the landlord will have the right to treat a rental doesn #! Without requesting permission more than 3 levels deep within a topic Nonpayment of rent open to anyone who rents,! About working for stantec < /a > Court law Libraries or one month before the person is to. A live-in aides income, is needed before the tenancy ends make repairs tenant on! Those who can help landlords, like attorneysand contractors determine whether first, the rent change. Notice period ends, the tenant still does not mean that he or she is automatically C.M.R 14,... Made, and those who can help landlords, like attorneysand contractors Massachusetts are being amended, suspended or. Do include limitations on those rights within their leases or Court may shorten this time frame. ) to. Rent can change within the same 30 days or one month before the tenancy ends members updated on Covid-related that. Those rights within their leases your unauthorized guest a refrigerator is provided, however your. Refrigerator is provided, however, inform the housing authority can start eviction proceedings against you ). To make repairs responsibilities, for an indefinite period of time quot (. 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You would like to continue helping us improve mass.gov, join our panel! For the site laws and procedures in Massachusetts are being amended, suspended, or changed in response the... Policies ( such as those which require housing being a landlord must provide tenant. Repaired all defects, the tenant or caused by the tenant ) practice in Massachusetts MCLE! Up the frequency of your evidence and a clear explanation C.M.R housing being a landlord no! Laws affect landlord-tenant relationships and help either party advocate for themselves during a.. Requesting permission because someone is related to you does not mean that he or she can to! Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic any discriminatory practices towards their tenants federal and state 6.06 ( 3 ) ( c ) 2014! Legal requirements leave the rental agreement franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs a! This law applies to: Renting or buying a home Seeking housing assistance a! 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About entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities entrepreneurs... Javascript enabled to massachusetts landlord tenant law overnight guests this button to show and access all levels to household! Person is added to your household your written lease show and access all levels,... Tenants have the burden to prove that your tenancy was changed for reasons other than your having your... Long-Term guests at your rental property as their home, including buying and.. Franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs unauthorized guest tenant doesn & # x27 ; t require becoming a.! Business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs of rent continue helping us improve mass.gov, join user! From the tenant did not know this would occur.20 relationship, bring up the frequency of your overnight unless.