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Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs in Massachusetts

Your landlord is responsible for repairing the heat, water, plumbing and electricity in your rental unit as well as the windows and doors.


Your landlord in Massachusetts is bound by the state's sanitary code to keep your rental unit with working heat, water, structural elements like walls and even a kitchen with enough space for washing dishes. If there is a problem with your apartment that is covered by this code, then your landlord is responsible for the repair.

If you have a problem with you apartment that you're not sure would be covered, then call your city housing inspectors, tell them what the issue is and find out if it would be appropriate for them to inspect the building.

You should also take a look at your lease, which might actually list less serious issues (like appliance repair) as the responsibility of the landlord.

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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.