Legal & Compliance

Massachusetts Security Deposit Law: A Landlord’s Guide Massachusetts has one of the strictest security deposit laws in the country. In short: you can collect at most one month’s rent, you must hold it in a separate Massachusetts bank account, pay the tenant interest each year, give specific receipts and a statement of condition, and return…

The Massachusetts Eviction Process for Landlords, Step by Step Eviction in Massachusetts follows one legal path: serve a proper notice to quit, file a summary process case in court, win a judgment, and have a constable or sheriff carry out the court’s execution. You cannot skip steps, and you cannot remove a tenant yourself. Done…

A special assessment is an extra charge to condo owners for a shared expense beyond regular fees, often when repairs or unexpected costs exceed available funds. In Massachusetts, boards must check Chapter 183A and the association’s master deed, trust and bylaws to determine authority, approvals, allocation and notice requirements. Updated October 16, 2026: Refined the…

Updated October 8, 2026: Clarified document-specific voting, recording requirements and the distinction between administrative management and legal advice. Start with your condominium’s recorded declaration of trust and bylaws. They determine the applicable process for removing or replacing a trustee. Do not assume every Massachusetts condominium uses the same vote threshold or that recording a certificate…

Few situations stress a landlord more than needing to remove a tenant. Whether it’s months of unpaid rent, a lease being ignored, or a tenant who simply won’t leave, the pressure is real — and the temptation to “just handle it” can be strong. But in Massachusetts, eviction is one of the most tightly regulated…

Running a condo association or nonprofit board in Greater Boston means making decisions that carry real financial weight — and few decisions matter more than how your community is insured. The right coverage protects your owners, your board members, and your reserves. The wrong coverage, or a quiet gap no one noticed, can turn a…

Professional lease preparation and lease enforcement for Boston and Greater Boston landlords. Green Ocean handles lease setup, renewals, tenant compliance, rent collection coordination, and documented enforcement support — so your leases actually protect you and your rentals run without the headaches. Talk to us about lease preparation support  |  Review property management pricing Clear lease…

Reading Time: 3 minutes Understanding the legal grounds for eviction is crucial for landlords. Evictions must follow strict legal protocols to ensure fairness and legality. Missteps can lead to severe consequences, including legal penalties and damage to the landlord’s reputation. This article explores the reasons landlords cannot legally evict tenants and the ramifications of illegal…

Safety, legality, and peace of mind are paramount when managing properties. In our monthly property inspections, we have encountered various situations highlighting the importance of proper means of egress and adherence to building codes. Today, we will discuss why having two means of egress is not just a legal requirement but a vital safety measure…

A Municipal Lien Certificate (MLC) is a legal document that certifies you don’t owe any liens – or taxes – on your property. In this article, learn how an MLC works and how Green Ocean Property Management will assist you in obtaining one when you need it.   MLC questions property owners ask How much…

Every landlord needs a well-drafted lease agreement.  A clear lease agreement defines a landlord-tenant relationship. It also protects you from any unexpected liabilities.  Having a comprehensive lease agreement is important as it will prevent any confusion and troubles along the way.   Some landlords may just go to the internet and download a templated and standard…