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Landlords and Broker Fees
Effective August 1, 2025, Governor Healey signed a law that states that whoever hires the broker to rent an apartment, pays for the broker. This is a pretty simple rule: if the landlord hires a broker to market an apartment to find a tenant, then the landlord has to pay the broker. The landlord can Read More
Security Deposits: What Your Landlord Can Deduct
On August 1, 2025, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) clarified what landlords can—and cannot—deduct from a tenant’s security deposit when a lease ends om the case Peebles v. JRK Property Holdings, Inc. (SJC-13702). In the case, Branda Peebles and other former tenants filed a class action against JRK Property Holdings, alleging that the company violated Read More
Architects and Design Professionals, Beware! You May Have Liability Long After the Project is Finished
Recently, the Supreme Judicial Court issued a decision which is critically important for design professionals in Massachusetts as the decision in Trustees of Boston University v. Clough, Harbour & Associates, LLP, 495 Mass. 682 (2025) (“Clough case”) states that the statute of repose under Mass.Gen.Laws ch. 260 § 2B is no longer applicable to claims Read More
Happy Anniversary to Tanowitz Law! What is our present? A new addition to the firm!
When I started my firm 22 years ago, I did not realize it was just one day away from International Women’s Day. Being a women owned business has been an amazing journey. Last March, we added Joseph Sherman to our firm. Now this March, I can announce that we’re getting even stronger with the addition of Read More
New Sanitary Code Effective April 2023
For the first time since 2007, the State Sanitary Code has been amended and will take effect next month. I can’t speak to previous versions, but it looks like the Sanitary Code has received a major overhaul with these amendments. As an attorney who regularly represents both landlords and tenants, there are certain issues that Read More
Owners of Condominiums Do Not Have Same Protections as Single Family Owners in Construction
If you are a homeowner in Massachusetts, and you want to undertake a renovation, you should make sure that the contractor you hire has both a construction supervisor license, and a registration under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 142A. However, the statute has a gap that leaves certain homeowners unprotected. The statute applies only to owners Read More
Happy Anniversary to Tanowitz Law
When I think back twenty years ago, I had a three month old and a three year old and a desire not to return to my firm after maternity leave. So, I decided to do it on my own terms and started Tanowitz Law. In hindsight, returning to my old job probably would have been Read More
Ten Things a Homeowner Must Know Before Starting a Home Improvement Project – part 1
For many people, their home is their largest asset. If you are thinking of undertaking a renovation project, the next few posts will explore things you need to know and consider before you start. First, do your homework before you hire someone. Don’t just ask a potential contractor for references – of course he or Read More
A Corporate Entity Does not Completely Shield Corporate Officers from Tort Liability
Many people set up corporations or limited liability companies so that they can limit their personal liability. While having a properly run corporation or LLC, can limit liability, the limits are not absolute. There are at least three ways an individual can be personally liable, even if acting on behalf of their company. First, under Read More
Breaching an Offer to Purchase Real Estate
Last week, I received a call from an unhappy prospective buyer. He had offered to purchase the house and the seller agreed to sell the house. The parties had agreed on a price and a standard contract to purchase real estate was signed by both parties. Just two days later, the seller emailed saying that Read More