Getting Possession of a Rental Unit
Getting possession of a rental unit is the primary goal of an eviction case. A successful eviction case allows a landlord to legally remove the tenant and their possessions from the rental unit. The formal court order that allows the more »
Collecting Money Against a Tenant
I’m willing to bet that the issue of collecting money against a tenant is one of the most frequent topics that landlords ask regarding tenants. This is an important matter that landlords should carefully consider when faced with such a problem. more »
Attorney Sherwin Named as a 2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star
I’m proud to write that I’ve been named as a 2018 Massachusetts Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Rising Star candidates are limited to no more than 2.5% of lawyers in Massachusetts and go through a nomination, peer review, and independent research more »
Fighting Foreclosure: Lessons from a Massachusetts Federal Court Case
A recent decision from the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals provides an important lesson on fighting foreclosure and the importance of properly preparing such a defense. The case, Klimowicz v. Deutsche Bank, is included below. Background Massachusetts is a non-judicial more »
Housing Discrimination in Massachusetts: A “Ruff” Lesson On This Important Area of Law
A recent case from Western Massachusetts of a landlord refusing to rent to tenants with service animals is an example of the perils of ignoring state and federal housing discrimination laws, and a reason why landlords need to be extremely careful when more »
Appealing a Zoning Decision: Timing is Everything
The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued an important decision this week on appealing a zoning decision in Massachusetts. This case demonstrates the critical importance of timely appealing such a matter. The case, McIntyre v. Zoning Board of Appeals of Braintree, is available more »
Getting Back a Security Deposit in Massachusetts
It is not uncommon for Massachusetts landlords to accept security deposits from tenants. In doing so, many make mistakes in complying with Massachusetts’s security deposit law; arguably one of the most complex and detailed laws in the state. This law more »
Lessons from a Massachusetts Adverse Possession Case
The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued an important decision this week concerning adverse possession and easements by prescription. The decision, Smaland Beach Association v. Genova, is available here. This decision concerns beach access . . . a common source of these cases. more »
Zoning Enforcement 101: Lessons from a Baaad Outcome Before a Zoning Board
A recent decision from the Town of Danver’s Board of Appeals demonstrates the importance of Massachusetts zoning restrictions, and their relevance to property owners. This case, involving a homeowner’s keeping of goats on their property, shows how baaad things can more »