My husband and I rent a handful of single-family homes in Pittsfield, MA, and for years, have had wonderful Tenants. Since families sometimes face financial hardships, we cut these tenants slack when the excuses for late payments started (car trouble, family illness, etc.). When promises of payment were constantly broken, we finally asked them to leave, and suggested they look for a more modest rental. That's when the threats began.
They had failed to properly heat the house, hanging blankets around the LR where the thermostat was located, allowing pipes to freeze, and flooding the house. For months, we texted back and forth with him, receiving constant threats, and no rent. The profanities were beyond shocking, while the threats caused overwhelming stress. The police couldn't do anything, saying it was a Landlord-Tenant dispute.
Finally, my husband and I decided to hire an attorney, and we found Lance Chavin. He assured us that we had done nothing wrong, and that we should no longer respond to these people. Instead, all texts were to be forwarded to him, and he would handle everything. The relief and peace of mind we felt was immediate, and we were finally able to relax while Lance navigated us through the complex process. Lance has a thorough knowledge of the complicated housing laws in Pittsfield, MA, and with his years of experience, he knows everyone in the Pittsfield court system. Although he lives in Springfield, he has an office here in Pittsfield.
Lance took care of all the paperwork and documents, and executions. We didn't have to do anything. He handled all communications, and explained our options to us very clearly. Lance was very quick to respond to our texts, calls, and emails. Because my husband and I had been so traumatized, we probably needed more assurance than most clients, but he never failed to calm us down and reassure us. He very clearly laid out the various scenarios, based upon possible court actions, from the best and quickest, to the worst case. Even the worst case seemed more tolerable, knowing that the result would be the same, but the time line could be extended by additional court actions.
Lance had researched our tenant, and discovered that there were 2 arrest warrants out on our tenant. When the court date arrived, he notified the Sheriff that our tenant was expected to appear that day, but we then knew that he might not show up, for fear of arrest. Lance was right. Only his live-in girlfriend came. He updated me with texts for 3 hours, and finally asked me come in - there had been a snowstorm that morning, and it was possible that the court might close early. When I arrived, I was happy to learn that Lance had already prepared the agreement that was acceptable our tenant. She agreed that they owed over $10,000.00 in rent, and agreed to leave by of January 31. Lance represented our case to the Judge, and we won! We had our judgement, they would have to leave or be physically thrown out 48 hours after receiving the Execution of Eviction served by the Sheriff.
Lance explained that we'd have to arrange for the Sheriff and the bonded certified movers to be there on the day of physical eviction. Finally, the day arrived. The Sheriff went in first. They were gone, and only garbage and junk remained. The damage to our house was bad, and the house reeked. But, I repeat, THEY WERE GONE!
Evictions are not easy in MA. Don’t try to resolve them without the professional help of an outstanding attorney with thorough knowledge of our local Landlord/Tenant laws, and experience with our court system. Call Lance Chavin.
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