Questions answered by Patrick Bull

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Can my landlord recently withhold $399 security deposit for 'small holes' in the wall from hanging a mirror?

Patrick's answer | Answered on September 21, 2012

Hi, Was the hand written note signed under the "pains and penalties of perjury" ? If no, you may be able to sue and get treble damages... Call a...

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In my bedroom there is some ceiling damage in the corner from the people upstairs toilet. can the landlord leave it like that

Patrick's answer | Answered on September 12, 2012

Call the board of health. This will get the ball rolling. Look here for worcester board of...

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How much does it cost to be evicted? Would I still have to pay off the remainder of the lease?

Patrick's answer | Answered on September 05, 2012

If you leave, the landlord can sue you for the balance of the lease, but the landlord MUST try to mitigate his damages (i.e. he must try to re-rent...

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If i dont leave my home on 8/31/2012 they will start the eviction process how long do i have

Patrick's answer | Answered on August 24, 2012

Hi You should call a local attorney. You cannot be evicted unless the landlord goes to court. It can take a long time to be evicted, depending...

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I moved out of a rental in Chicopee,MA and my landlord is now contacting me 20 days after I moved to have a satellite dish

Patrick's answer | Answered on August 19, 2012

Didn't the landlord have to give permission for the dish to go up ? Call the dish company and see if they'll take it down. Security deposits...

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Landlord sexually assaulted my children and I want out of lease

Patrick's answer | Answered on August 19, 2012

Ummm.... You should talking to the local police. Lease or no lease, I think it's time to move. Call a local attorney if there are any problems with...

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My landlord wants my security deposit for the wooden floors that are not in good shape. I moved in 10 years ago. Is he right?

Patrick's answer | Answered on August 02, 2012

Hi - if he never put it into a escrow account, then send him a letter asking for it back. He must return it immediately. If he doesn't give it back...

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Does my landlord have the right to keep security deposit if he didn't do a Statement of condition?

Patrick's answer | Answered on July 31, 2012

Hi, Simple Question : Did he give you a estimate of the damages that was signed under the "pains and penalties of perjury" ? If No, then you...

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How to get rid of a tenant in MA who fraudulently signed lease, has broken all terms of lease, and is now claiming damages?

Patrick's answer | Answered on July 30, 2012

I agree wit the other post, you need to find a local attorney to start the eviction. Massachusetts has very strict laws concerning landlords and...

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As a landlord can i shut off the electricy to a tenant that has not payed there share of the bill?

Patrick's answer | Answered on July 29, 2012

What do you mean by "there share" ? Utilities cannot be shared if the tenant is paying. They must be separately metered. You should evict if they...

Patrick Bull's Answers (92)

Can my landlord recently withhold $399 security deposit for 'small holes' in the wall from hanging a mirror?

In my bedroom there is some ceiling damage in the corner from the people upstairs toilet. can the landlord leave it like that

How much does it cost to be evicted? Would I still have to pay off the remainder of the lease?

If i dont leave my home on 8/31/2012 they will start the eviction process how long do i have

I moved out of a rental in Chicopee,MA and my landlord is now contacting me 20 days after I moved to have a satellite dish

Landlord sexually assaulted my children and I want out of lease

My landlord wants my security deposit for the wooden floors that are not in good shape. I moved in 10 years ago. Is he right?

Does my landlord have the right to keep security deposit if he didn't do a Statement of condition?

How to get rid of a tenant in MA who fraudulently signed lease, has broken all terms of lease, and is now claiming damages?

As a landlord can i shut off the electricy to a tenant that has not payed there share of the bill?