Owning or managing rental housing involves fast decisions, strict deadlines, and legal rules that can change quickly. Casey, Burns & Jean-Felix, PLLC represents housing authorities, property owners, developers, and private landlords only. We do not accept tenant-side matters.
Our clients range from public housing agencies to first-time landlords. We provide practical legal guidance on lease enforcement, evictions, property management, development issues, and regulatory compliance across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Built on the century-long legacy of Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., our firm continues a tradition of integrity, service, and results-driven advocacy. We work closely with clients to protect their properties, support their operations, and address challenges in ways that advance their long-term ownership, investment, and program goals.
Key Legal Considerations for Landlords and Housing Authorities
Avoiding liability starts with strong documents and consistent procedures.
Lease Agreement Drafting and Program Enforcement
Clear leases reduce disputes and help preserve a landlord’s rights. We draft and review agreements that comply with Massachusetts or New Hampshire laws, federal and state guidance for public housing, and applicable local program requirements. Documents are written in practical terms that owners, managers, and staff members can follow.
For housing authorities, we assist with program enforcement, grievance procedures, and administrative advocacy. We also develop policies that align with federal and state regulations, and we help train staff on day-to-day compliance with these regulations.
Eviction Procedures and Summary Process
Massachusetts uses the Summary Process framework for eviction cases. This process mandates strict procedures and timelines, beginning with a proper notice to quit and continuing through filing, service, court proceedings, judgment, and execution for possession. Cutting corners can lead to delays, defenses, or counterclaims.
We guide you through each step of the process, prepare the required filings, and coordinate with constables when enforcement becomes necessary. Our team also helps landlords avoid prohibited forms of self-help evictions, such as unlawful lockouts or utility shutoffs.
Security Deposit Compliance
Massachusetts security deposit law, M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, imposes detailed requirements that housing providers must follow. Violations may expose a landlord to treble damages and attorney fees. We help owners establish procedures that support compliance from the start of the tenancy through move-out.
For landlords who already hold security deposits, we can review records, identify compliance gaps, update forms, and recommend procedures that reduce the risk of liability.
Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Laws
Landlords must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act and applicable state laws, including Massachusetts Chapter 151B and New Hampshire RSA 354-A.
We help landlords create lawful screening criteria, apply policies consistently, and communicate decisions clearly. Our attorneys also advise housing providers on reasonable accommodations and modifications, including service animal and assistance animal requests.
How Casey, Burns & Jean-Felix, PLLC Assists Property Owners
We work with housing authorities, developers, private landlords, and residential property owners to identify legal risks before they become costly disputes. When litigation is necessary, we act promptly to protect ownership rights, rental income, and long-term operations.
Initial Consultation and Policy Guidance
Our team begins by learning about your properties, residents, management structure, and current procedures. We review leases, addenda, house rules, notices, and internal policies, then identify areas that may need to be updated under state or federal law.
Clients receive practical recommendations for immediate use, along with a long-term plan for compliance, staff training, and risk management. We can also provide templates, checklists, and procedures suited to your needs.
Guidance for Housing Authorities
Our team specializes in assisting public housing authorities in every step of the process. From lease review to summary process actions, our team has a proven track record of success in representing public housing authorities.
We represent numerous housing authorities across Massachusetts, and our team knows the importance of keeping costs low while providing exceptional legal support. Our team can assist in the following areas:
- Summary process actions
- Lease and policy review
- Section 8 termination hearings
- Reasonable accommodations
- RAD lease conversions
- Projects involving the Uniform Relocation Act
- Tenant Disputes
Guidance for Small and First-Time Private Landlords
For many private landlords, a rental property is more than a business asset. It may also be their home, a source of retirement income, or part of a plan to build generational wealth.
We represent first-time landlords, owner-occupants, and individuals or families who own duplexes, triple-deckers, small apartment buildings, or other residential rental properties. These owners may not have an in-house manager or established procedures, which makes clear legal guidance especially important.
Our attorneys help small property owners understand how to manage their rentals responsibly while protecting the value of what they are building. This may include assistance with:
- Preparing a lease before a new tenant moves in.
- Establishing lawful rent collection and security deposit procedures.
- Creating house rules for shared or owner-occupied properties.
- Responding to repair requests and habitability complaints.
- Documenting unauthorized occupants, property damage, or lease violations.
- Addressing nonpayment before unpaid rent becomes unmanageable.
- Understanding when a notice, negotiation, or court filing may be appropriate.
- Avoiding informal actions that could violate landlord-tenant law.
We explain the legal process in clear terms so private landlords can make informed decisions without treating every disagreement as an immediate court case. When enforcement is required, we help owners take the proper steps and create a record that supports their position.
Landlord-Tenant Law and Fiduciary Evictions
We manage fiduciary evictions for estates, trusts, and guardianships, and we handle general landlord-tenant disputes in both residential and commercial settings. Our team drafts leases, addenda, and house rules that are strong, readable, and enforceable.
When issues arise, we bring claims in housing or district court with a focus on prompt, fair outcomes. Private landlords count on us for rent nonpayment actions, use and occupancy motions, and claims involving property damage or unauthorized occupants. We also advise on security deposit handling and responses to habitability defenses.
Good records and properly prepared notices often set the tone for a better result. From negotiation and mediation through trial, we handle filings, evidence, witness preparation, and court appearances while keeping clients informed about their options, risks, and expected timelines.
When a dispute involves public housing or program rules, we also prepare the administrative record and advocate for housing authorities at grievance hearings and other proceedings.
Proactive Risk Management and Development Support
For developers and public agencies, we assist with regulated property issues, project documents, and compliance planning. Our lawyers can also coordinate with consultants on zoning, permitting, title, valuation, and development questions.
Our focus extends beyond resolving the immediate problem. We help clients create repeatable procedures, train staff on changing rules, and strengthen fair housing and documentation practices that may prevent future disputes.
Common Challenges in Property Management
Even well-run properties face difficult situations. Organized records and consistent procedures can make those situations easier to manage.
Handling Problematic Tenancies
Our office can review the tenant file before formal action is taken, identify missing documentation, and prepare to file in court, if necessary.
Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
Landlords should stay current with housing codes, habitability standards, lead paint requirements, and other rules that apply to their properties. Massachusetts and New Hampshire may impose different repair, inspection, and notice obligations.
Useful recordkeeping practices include:
- Logging repair requests, response dates, inspections, and completion dates.
- Retaining vendor invoices, photographs, and written confirmation of completed work.
- Archiving notices, accommodation requests, inspection reports, and rent ledgers.
- Applying screening and enforcement policies consistently.
- Scheduling regular reviews of leases, forms, and management procedures.
Good records can support a landlord’s position in court and may help resolve complaints before they develop into larger disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions From Landlords
Below are answers to several questions property owners frequently ask. The appropriate approach will depend on the facts of the tenancy, the lease, and the applicable state law.
How long does a commercial or residential eviction take in Massachusetts?
The timeline depends on the reason for the eviction, court scheduling, the type of property, and whether the tenant raises defenses or counterclaims. Payment agreements, appeals, and requests for additional time may also affect when the landlord recovers possession.
Working with counsel can help prevent notice defects, missed deadlines, and filing mistakes that may delay the case and increase unpaid rent.
What are my obligations regarding property repairs?
Landlords generally must provide safe, clean, and structurally sound rental housing that meets applicable habitability standards. Complaints involving heat, hot water, utilities, sanitation, or other life-safety concerns should be addressed promptly.
Strong records can reduce disputes involving rent withholding, code complaints, and habitability defenses.
Can your firm help if I own only one rental property?
Yes. We represent small private landlords as well as housing authorities, developers, and owners of larger property portfolios. A landlord who owns one duplex, triple-decker, condominium, or single-family rental may face many of the same legal requirements as a larger operator.
We can help establish proper leases and procedures, review a developing tenant issue, or take legal action when necessary.
Do you represent tenants in disputes against landlords?
No. Casey, Burns & Jean-Felix, PLLC represents housing authorities, property owners, developers, and private landlords only. We do not accept tenant-side matters.
This focused approach allows us to remain aligned with the goals of property owners and housing providers at every stage of a matter.
Get Clear, Prompt Guidance on Landlord-Tenant Matters
Landlord issues can escalate quickly when leases, evictions, security deposits, compliance questions, or tenant disputes are not addressed early and correctly. Casey, Burns & Jean-Felix, PLLC provides practical guidance to landlords across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including public agencies, developers, first-time landlords, and small multifamily property owners.
Whether you are managing a large housing program or protecting a property intended to support your family’s long-term financial future, our attorneys can help you understand your responsibilities, enforce your rights, and make informed decisions.
For assistance with a lease, eviction, housing program, or property management concern, call 978-878-3519 or visit our Contact Us page to request a consultation.