Due to the high cost of buying housing and a large student population, Boston is one of the biggest markets nationwide for rental housing. It also has a similar demand for commercial properties — particularly in the city’s downtown area — and it’s no surprise the legal requirements faced by landlords can be complex and challenging to understand.
Calabrese Law Associates has attorneys who understand state and municipality regulations and can represent Boston landlords in any type of landlord-tenant dispute.
The Role of a Landlord-Tenant Lawyer
The landlord-tenant relationship plays a major role in the lives of many people and their businesses. In recent years, the demand for commercial and residential rental properties has grown exponentially. During that same period, state and local governments have acted by drafting new, complex landlord-tenant laws.
The landlord-tenant attorneys at Calabrese Law Associates are knowledgeable of dispute resolution at every level. Whether the manner of resolution is arbitration, mediation, or traditional litigation, they work closely with our real estate litigation attorneys in seeking to avoid litigation. However, when necessary we litigate for landlords, tenants, owners, developers, and lenders, as well as investors.
Landlord-Tenant Dispute Resolution
Landlord-tenant disputes can be brought on by many different factors — whether it’s a tenant who has failed to pay rent or caused damage to their rented property or a landlord who has neglected their responsibilities. Housing is understandably an emotional issue for many people, so when disputes do arise, the landlord-tenant relationship tends to devolve into a contentious situation. One important role of a landlord-tenant litigation lawyer is to make sure that during these moments, the law and the facts prevail.
At Calabrese Law Associates, we have a history of resolving disputes quickly, before they escalate and require costly litigation for both parties. Whether the rented property is your residence, place of business, or source of income, it’s the location where it all happens — it is a vital component of your life and to your business’ operation. Trust the landlord-tenant attorneys at Calabrese Law Associates to provide you with superior legal representation.
Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes
All goes well when tenants and landlords each follow the terms of the lease. But disputes can arise on the landlord’s or tenant’s side. Common examples of landlord-tenant disputes include:
Non-payment of rent: A tenant might stop paying the rent or might consistently pay late, violating their lease.
Unauthorized pets on the property: Some properties allow pets but charge a fee. If a tenant brings a pet home without the permission of their landlord, they can be fined or eventually evicted.
Uninhabitable living conditions: Landlords need to provide tenants a property that’s habitable, meaning it has to adhere to specific codes. For example, the residence needs to be at least 68 degrees in the winter months.
Criminal activity on the premises: Tenants shouldn’t participate in criminal activity, such as selling drugs, on a landlord’s property.
Repair issues: Tenants can also bring a dispute against their landlords if there are repair problems with the property, such as a leaky bathroom faucet or a faulty window.
Noise problems: Noise problems can be concern for both the landlord and tenant. A tenant might complain to their landlord if neighboring tenants in the building are too loud. A landlord might take issue with a tenant who decides to play music or throw large parties late at night.
Discrimination: In Boston and elsewhere, it’s against the law for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on factors such as their age, race, sex, or family status. If a tenant believes a landlord refused them housing because of discrimination, they can sue the landlord.
For Landlords
A landlord lawyer can help you if you own and lease property. Your lawyer can help you settle disputes with tenants and provide assistance if a tenant sues you. An attorney can also help you if you need to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent or for otherwise violating their lease.
You might be able to resolve some issues or handle the eviction process yourself. If you want to make sure everything goes smoothly or if you’re evicting a tenant for the first time, hiring a landlord attorney may be in your best interests.
For Tenants
As a tenant in Massachusetts, you have certain rights. If you’re having difficulty with your landlord, working with a tenant attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that you’re not evicted or charged excessively. A tenant lawyer can also help you if the residence you’re renting isn’t fit to live in or if your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs. Your lawyer can make sure your concerns are heard and that your needs are met. If you feel that a landlord is discriminating against you because of your age, family, sex, or race, an attorney can help.
Other Parties We Can Represent
In addition to representing landlords and tenants in disputes, the attorneys at Calabrese Law Associates can represent others involved in real estate transactions. For example, we can represent property developers, investors, and lenders. A property developer might need legal help if they are sued by tenants because of the condition of the property. An investor or lender might work with an attorney if they have a dispute with the property owner.
Contact Calabrese Law Associates Today
Based in downtown Boston, our office serves clients throughout Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Area. Our lawyers handle property damage cases, resolve landlord-tenant disputes, and provide a range of other services including issues such as:
All services are available for commercial and residential landlord-tenant disputes.
While Calabrese Law Associates does offer legal help for landlord-tenant disputes, it is extremely rare that we take on these cases. Only about 1% of tenant-related cases and 10% of landlord-related cases will be considered by our law firm.
This publication and its contents are not to be construed as legal advice nor a recommendation to you as to how to proceed. Please consult with a local licensed attorney directly before taking any action that could have legal consequences. This publication and its content do not create an attorney-client relationship and are being provided for general informational purposes only. If you have any further questions, fill out the contact form on the Calabrese Law Associates website.
*Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
A+++
I have used the expertise of Peter Calabrese, Esq. for many different types of legal issues over the course of 2 years. He is respectful, fair, competent, effective, efficient, and professional. I cannot say enough positive things about him, and his firm. I would not hesitate to use his services in the future, and would recommend him to anyone. Look no further for a great lawyer! You won’t be disappointed. A+++!
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Christina B.|Jun 20, 2023
I have used the expertise of Peter Calabrese, Esq. for many different types of legal issues over the course of 2 years. He is respectful, fair, competent, effective, efficient, and professional. I cannot say enough positive things about him, and his firm. I would not hesitate to use his services in the future, and would recommend him to anyone. Look no further for a great lawyer! You won’t be disappointed. A+++!
Would Recommend This Firm to All My Friends
I had a great experience and would recommend this firm to all my friends that need legal services in the future.
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Li C.|Jan 07, 2022
I had a great experience and would recommend this firm to all my friends that need legal services in the future.
The Best Possible Outcome
We worked with Peter to help with a difficult landlord-tenant situation, which he resolved for us with the best possible outcome, in a matter of a few weeks. Would call him immediately for any similar issues in the future!
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Baruch H.|Dec 20, 2021
We worked with Peter to help with a difficult landlord-tenant situation, which he resolved for us with the best possible outcome, in a matter of a few weeks. Would call him immediately for any similar issues in the future!
A True Professional
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Joseph I.|Nov 22, 2021
Peter is a true professional who is extremely knowledgeable and a great communicator. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services.
The Attorneys at Calabrese Law Associates are Some of the Best Lawyers I Have Ever Worked With
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Merrill S|Jan 22, 2018
I've worked as a constable for 10 years and for Calabrese Law Associates for 5 of those years. The attorneys at Calabrese Law Associates are some of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. They are honest, hardworking and care about their clients. No attorney can change the facts of your case. But these guys will fight for you every step of the way. Do not hesitate to hire them.
Very methodological and professional. Highly recommend!
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Maximilian L.|Oct 19, 2017
Peter Calabrese handled a case against the mishandling of the security deposit by my landlord. Very analytical he walked me through the legal options, and laid out the methods, time and money needed to follow through with each option and which possible outcomes each one may have. Very methodological and professional. Highly recommend!
Extremely Informative and Knowledgeable
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Sara C.|Oct 14, 2016
I worked briefly with Calabrase LAW Associates and they were nothing but helpful. I was dealing with a tenant - landlord issue and I spoke with Peter. He was extremely informative and knowledgeable. The issue was successfully taken care of and I would highly recommend this firm.
An outstanding professional
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Anon.|Jan 18, 2016
Peter and his associates were always professional, supportive and educational in my case. I had a difficult tenant landlord matter, which was very uncomfortable for me. Peter always made me feel at ease in sharing my thoughts and concerns. Peter always gave support and insight on every situation we have had to deal with. He is a very calm individual no matter how difficult the matter seemed to me.. Peter truly cares about his clients and this was evident to me in regards to my ligation. He fought hard for me, which has produced a justified settlement so far in my case. I highly recommend Peter Calabrese and his firm. I will continue to turn to him for all my legal needs now and in the future.
Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
Jones Yu - Boston Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
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Jones Yu|Aug 21, 2015
We encountered a landlord-tenant issue and felt helpless this year. It was a scary experience, especially we were a first time tenant and so nervous to be ripped of. Although we tried to call out to many lawyers, none of them are easy to reach out. However, when I contacted Calabrese Law Associates, they listened to us, analyzed the case patiently and calm our nerves. They handled the case well and the issue was resolved at the end. Their service is professional and we really appreciate their help.
Megan – Suffolk County Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
Megan - Boston Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
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Megan|Apr 08, 2015
I sought out Peter Calabrese as a second opinion on a settlement with my landlord during a lease breaking dispute on an apartment I was renting. Peter immediately steered me in a different, and better, direction. Not only did I end up NOT having to pay a settlement, Peter actually helped me get my security deposit back. A great experience overall!
Suffolk County Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
Boston Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
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Anon.|Sep 11, 2014
As a landlord, I was suited by my tenants for providing an uninhabitable apartment and lost their personal properties - the allegation I firmly denied. I felt that the tenants tried to obtain money from me through the court and they might have been assisted by someone who knew the system. Therefore, I had to first consult attorneys for the legal advice with the price and service in mind. Through the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) of the Boston Bar Association, I was recommended to contact a couple of attorneys, including Mr. Peter G. Calabrese. After I talked with Mr. Calabrese over the phone, I decided to ask him representing me for the trial. Throughout the trial, he guided me gathering the needed witnesses and proofs. His knowledge, professionalism and always thinking for his client impressed me very much. Based on the solid evidence and professional presentation by Mr. Calabrese, the court ruled in favor of me, the defendant. I am very glad that I hired Mr. Calabrese as my lawyer for the trial, not only for the reasonable price but importantly for the excellent services that he is able to provide. I highly recommend him for others. Thanks!
Xavier – Suffolk County Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
Xavier - Boston Landlord Tenant Litigation Client
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Xavier|May 01, 2014
We retained Peter G Calabrese to represent us in a landlord/tenant dispute. Counselor Calabrese met with us shortly after we made our initial inquiry and was completely prepared to the meeting. He had reviewed the relevant MA statutes and regulations and gave us options on how to proceed. After an initial consultation, we engaged his firm and he took it from there. We are very pleased with the professional manner in which this matter was handled and would certainly utilize his firm in the future should we need legal services. We highly recommend this attorney.
Responsive and Professional
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|Dec 22, 2024
We were referred to this law firm by a family friend and could not have been happier with the results. We had the pleasure of working with Cara, who took the time to fully understand our issue at hand and worked with us to find the best solution that worked for us. She was responsive and professional, and we truly had complete trust in her. Overall, we would highly recommend Calabrese Law Associates for any legal representation
We Are Very Satisfied
We are very satisfied with Peter. Professional and very responsive.
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Hema Construction Inc.|Dec 22, 2024
We are very satisfied with Peter. Professional and very responsive.
