Boston Tenant

• Category: Massachusetts Landlord Tenant - Notices and Letters - Rent
• State: Massachusetts
• City: Boston
• Control #: MA-1060LT
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This notice regarding Retaliatory Rent Increase, complies with state housing laws and informs Landlord that it is unlawful for a landlord to discriminatorily increase a tenant's rent or decrease services to a tenant, or to bring or threaten to bring an action for possession or other civil action, primarily because the landlord is retaliating against the tenant. Subject line: Urgent Notice to Landlord — Request to Withdraw Retaliatory Rent Increase Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing as a tenant at [Your Address] in Boston, Massachusetts, to bring your attention to a serious matter that requires immediate resolution. It has come to my attention that you have implemented a rent increase, which I believe may be in retaliation for my recent actions related to my tenancy rights. As you are aware, under Massachusetts law, landlords are prohibited from implementing retaliatory measures against tenants who exercise their legal rights. Specifically, Chapter 186, Section 18 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that landlords cannot increase rent, decrease services, or take any other adverse action against a tenant in retaliation for the tenant's exercising legal rights such as filing a complaint, joining a tenant organization, or making a repair request. I strongly believe that the rent increase I received on [Date of Rent Increase] is directly linked to my timely requests for necessary repairs and maintenance, as well as my involvement with the [Tenant Organization Name] that aims to advocate for tenant rights within our community. This recent rent increase not only violates the law but also creates a significant financial burden that impedes my ability to fully enjoy the premises in accordance with my lease agreement. I kindly request that you reconsider and withdraw the retaliatory rent increase immediately. Failure to do so would leave me no choice but to seek legal remedies available to me under the relevant legislation. In addition to the unlawful nature of the rent increase, I also wish to bring to your attention that Section 2A of the Rent Escrow Act stipulates that landlords must provide written notice at least 30 days prior to any rent increase. I did not receive any advance notice regarding this increase, which further obscures the legitimacy of your actions. I am fully committed to maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship and believe that open communication can help us address concerns effectively. Furthermore, I kindly request a meeting at your earliest convenience, within the next [reasonable timeframe, e.g., seven days], to discuss this matter further. During this meeting, I would appreciate a clarification of the reasons behind the rent increase and an opportunity to work towards an amicable resolution. If I do not receive any response or action on your part within a reasonable timeframe, I will have no option but to escalate this matter to the appropriate authorities, including filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, contacting the Boston Department of Housing and Community Development, and seeking legal advice. I trust that you will prioritize the preservation of our positive landlord-tenant relationship and act in compliance with the laws and regulations governing the rental market in Massachusetts. I look forward to a prompt resolution of this matter. Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Tenant Contact Number] [Tenant Email Address] Alternative title for the letter: "Boston, Massachusetts Tenant's Formal Notice to Landlord to Withdraw Retaliatory Rent Increase"

Subject line: Urgent Notice to Landlord — Request to Withdraw Retaliatory Rent Increase Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing as a tenant at [Your Address] in Boston, Massachusetts, to bring your attention to a serious matter that requires immediate resolution. It has come to my attention that you have implemented a rent increase, which I believe may be in retaliation for my recent actions related to my tenancy rights. As you are aware, under Massachusetts law, landlords are prohibited from implementing retaliatory measures against tenants who exercise their legal rights. Specifically, Chapter 186, Section 18 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that landlords cannot increase rent, decrease services, or take any other adverse action against a tenant in retaliation for the tenant's exercising legal rights such as filing a complaint, joining a tenant organization, or making a repair request. I strongly believe that the rent increase I received on [Date of Rent Increase] is directly linked to my timely requests for necessary repairs and maintenance, as well as my involvement with the [Tenant Organization Name] that aims to advocate for tenant rights within our community. This recent rent increase not only violates the law but also creates a significant financial burden that impedes my ability to fully enjoy the premises in accordance with my lease agreement. I kindly request that you reconsider and withdraw the retaliatory rent increase immediately. Failure to do so would leave me no choice but to seek legal remedies available to me under the relevant legislation. In addition to the unlawful nature of the rent increase, I also wish to bring to your attention that Section 2A of the Rent Escrow Act stipulates that landlords must provide written notice at least 30 days prior to any rent increase. I did not receive any advance notice regarding this increase, which further obscures the legitimacy of your actions. I am fully committed to maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship and believe that open communication can help us address concerns effectively. Furthermore, I kindly request a meeting at your earliest convenience, within the next [reasonable timeframe, e.g., seven days], to discuss this matter further. During this meeting, I would appreciate a clarification of the reasons behind the rent increase and an opportunity to work towards an amicable resolution. If I do not receive any response or action on your part within a reasonable timeframe, I will have no option but to escalate this matter to the appropriate authorities, including filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, contacting the Boston Department of Housing and Community Development, and seeking legal advice. I trust that you will prioritize the preservation of our positive landlord-tenant relationship and act in compliance with the laws and regulations governing the rental market in Massachusetts. I look forward to a prompt resolution of this matter. Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Tenant Contact Number] [Tenant Email Address] Alternative title for the letter: "Boston, Massachusetts Tenant's Formal Notice to Landlord to Withdraw Retaliatory Rent Increase"