12/3/14

Richard D. Vetstein, Esq.

Founding Partner at Vetstein Law Group, P.C.
Handled over 5,000 evicGon cases
Chair of Boston Bar Assoc. Title & Conveyancing
CommiOee
TesGed at State House SupporGng Rent Escrow Bill
Creator of The MassachuseOs Real Estate Law Blog
(www.massrealestatelawblog.com)

Agenda

Housing Court expansion to Middlesex County

Marijuana, Medical and Otherwise
Up-front fees
LegislaGve Update/Rent Escrow Bill
QuesGon and Answer

12/3/14

Housing Court Expansion

Middlesex and Norfolk County would be served by
new Central Division Housing Court
Waltham, Cambridge, Framingham, Brookline,
Dedham, Malden and Somerville.
Expansion in place by July 2015
Landlords would sGll have right to le evicGon case
in district court, but tenants would have right to
transfer to Housing Court

Reefer Madness
Medical marijuana is here to stay. Dispensaries
will be opening in 2015
Qualifying tenants would have right to use,
smoke & even grow in their apartments
Landlord groups lobbying for right to reject or
evict marijuana users
Figgs v. BHA: Side stepped quesGon re.
possession of under 1oz.; EvicGon OK for criminal
acGvity

Up-front Fees
ApplicaGon fee, amenity/move-in fee, upfront
pet fee illegal under Security Deposit Law (Equity
Residen4al ruling)
Security deposit statute: cannot charge upfront
more than aggregate of rst months, last
months, security deposit and nominal re-key fee.
Landlords cannot charge these fees during
second month of lease.
Credit and background check fee likely illegal
Renters insurance?

12/3/14

LegislaGve Update
Rent Escrow bill to be re-led (formerly H.B.
1131)
Tenants would have to pay the withheld rent into
an escrow account administered by court unGl
such Gme as the judge rules on the property
condiGons.
Masslandlords & SPOA group trying to organize
state-wide eort to coordinate on legislaGon
Need to get behind one bill

Contact Info

Richard D. Vetstein, Esq.

rvetstein@vetsteinlawgroup.com
508-620-5352
www.massrealestatelawblog.com