Skipping the apartment condition statement when collecting a security deposit is one of the riskiest shortcuts a landlord can take in Massachusetts. Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, failing to properly document move-in conditions can completely tie your hands when it comes to justified deductions at move-out. Read the full breakdown below to make sure your tenancy paperwork protects you from day one.
What Is an Apartment Condition Statement in Massachusetts?
An apartment condition statement in Massachusetts is a move-in document used to record the condition of a rental unit when a tenant pays a security deposit.
An apartment condition statement is important because it helps document pre-existing damage and supports lawful security deposit deductions when a tenant moves out.
If a landlord skips the apartment condition statement, they may limit or lose their ability to make justified deductions from the tenant’s security deposit.
A landlord should provide the apartment condition statement at the beginning of the tenancy when collecting a security deposit and documenting the unit’s move-in condition.
Yes. A properly completed apartment condition statement helps protect both the landlord and the tenant by creating a written record of the rental unit’s condition at move-in.
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