SPOA Releases Episode 13 of Housing Policy Series with "The Security Deposit Trap"

The Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) has released Episode 13 of SPOA Housing Policy Series called "The Security Deposit Trap."

When property owners accept security deposits from tenants in many cases, they are unaware of the strict requirements for maintaining these deposits. Although security deposits were once intended to protect the owner's property from damage caused by tenants, the focus shifted to protecting the tenant's deposit, which eventually took an extreme turn for the worse in Massachusetts. 

The conversation centers on Ms. Taneka Davis, who was forced to launch an eviction when her tenant refused to vacate the property after Taneka provided reasonable notice of termination with the intent to sell. Due to the complicated system, Taneka hired Attorney Jordana Greenman two months later to reissue the notice using the proper language. In this particular case, Taneka had to regain possession of the property in order to sell at a reasonable price. But Taneka's honest misunderstanding of security deposit requirements allowed the tenant to delay the eviction process significantly, as Taneka was forbidden to remedy the situation after the eviction began. 

Attorney Greenman, whom Taneka retained thereafter, outlines the complexities of security deposit regulations in Massachusetts to help property owners avoid the security deposit trap, which is weaponized against housing providers. 

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion. 

SPOA Housing Policy Series
Episode 13
The Security Deposit Trap

For more information about security deposit rules in Massachusetts, you can refer to the following website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-tenants-security-deposits It is best to consult with an attorney before accepting a security deposit.

by Amir Shahsavari