May a landlord charge a pet deposit in addition to a regular security deposit?
(01/23/07)The following is from the Live Justice Website:
In Massachusetts, the law clearly states that a landlord can charge a tenant first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit, and the cost of a new lock and key. Sometimes landlords try to impose extra charges on tenants like a pet fee. In Massachusetts, extra fees such as pet fees are illegal. Nevertheless, a landlord may refuse to let you move into an apartment if you do not pay this fee, even if it is illegal. If you decide to pay the extra fee because you are afraid you will lose the apartment, make sure you get a written, signed, and dated receipt for the money you paid. The receipt should say exactly what the money is for. This receipt is very, very important. If you later decide to challenge this extra fee or deduct it from your future rent, you will have proof of what the money was used for. (M.G.L. c. 186 s.15B)