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ABC Serving Parts of New Hampshire and Massachusetts Since 1984 ¨A State Licensed Home Inspection Company¨
ALL ABOUT HOUSES BY ANDY CONSOLI
🏠 The Basics of Being a Landlord
Originally published in Haverhill Life, August 2018
By Andrew B. Consoli
📚 Before You Start
Being a landlord isn't just collecting rent — it comes with serious legal responsibilities.
Many new landlords underestimate the complexity and learn the hard way.
Take a landlord-tenant law course (like those at ABC Real Estate Training Institute) to understand real-life scenarios and legal obligations.
⚖️ Know Your State Laws
🔹 Massachusetts (MGL c. 186) vs. New Hampshire (RSA 540)
Though similar in some areas, they differ significantly in others:
Topic
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
At move-in
First & last month’s rent + 1-month security deposit allowed
Only first month’s rent + security deposit allowed
Belongings after eviction
Must be stored for 6 months in a professional storage facility
Keep belongings safe for 7 days
⚠️ Lead Paint Compliance
Critical legal area — steep penalties for noncompliance.
In Massachusetts:
If property built before 1978 and a child under 6 lives there, a lead paint certificate is required.
Certificates issued by state-licensed inspectors.
Cost: $500–$50,000+, depending on remediation needs.
Noncompliance can result in civil or criminal penalties.
🧾 Tenant Screening & Fair Housing Laws
Choosing tenants must be done carefully and legally.
You cannot ask:
Marital status
Veteran status
National origin
These are fair housing violations.
Example: A landlord was fined $10,000 for describing a neighborhood as a “great family neighborhood” — a violation due to discriminatory language.
🏘️ Sanitary & Legal Requirements
Before move-in (Massachusetts):
Property must pass a Board of Health inspection.
Typical cost: $50.
Landlords should only use legal documents:
Lease agreements
Statements of condition
Security deposit receipts
Lead paint disclosures
These should be prepared or reviewed by a real estate attorney.
✅ Final Advice
Educate yourself — read books, take courses, and stay up to date.
Consult a real estate attorney before getting started.
Being a landlord can be rewarding, but only if you're prepared to handle the responsibilities and legal expectations.
📧 Interested in landlord education?
Contact Andy at info@abchomeinspection.com