What Is a Private Nuisance?
Property ownership includes the fundamental right to the quiet enjoyment of your land. When a neighbor’s activities significantly interfere with your ability to use and enjoy your property, you may have grounds for a private nuisance claim.
Continue ReadingCan a Property Owner Block an Easement?
In the Greater Boston Area and all of Massachusetts, property rights are often complicated by centuries-old boundaries and shared access points. For many landowners, discovering an easement on their title or facing a neighbor who blocks a long-standing right-of-way is a significant legal challenge that threatens both property value and privacy.
Continue ReadingWhat Is a Deed?
Real estate property deeds play an important role in the transfer of property ownership. These critical documents are used during the real estate transaction process and outline various key information about a specific transfer. This guide explores how a property deed works, its key elements, and the different types to choose from.
Continue ReadingHow to Get a Trustee Appointed to a Condo Dispute
The majority of condominium associations in Massachusetts appoint trustees under the governance of a Declaration of Trust — a document that establishes the trust and details the appointment process. As a result, general disputes will typically be worked out according to the trust documents and condominium owners association regulations.
Continue ReadingHow to Avoid and Settle Condo Parking Disputes
Parking issues and disputes are some of the most common challenges property owners encounter, especially when the property is in a bustling city like Boston. It seems like there are never enough spaces to accommodate every car on the road, which is why designated parking space is such a hot commodity for potential tenants.
Continue ReadingEnforcing Condominium Association Rules and Bylaws
We place the interests of our clients first to help them achieve their goals. Our condo attorneys aim to work efficiently and effectively while being accessible to every client.
Continue ReadingCondominium Disputes and Construction Defects
Condominium disputes and construction defects can create significant challenges for unit owners and associations. From structural integrity and safety issues to disagreements over maintenance responsibilities and financial obligations, navigating these complexities requires a knowledgeable legal partner.
Continue ReadingCan a Neighbor Drain Water on Your Property?
Can a landowner make changes to their land so water drains towards a neighboring property? Can they rent part of that land to cars and other polluters without installing storm drains or other provisions to keep pollution off the neighboring land?
Continue ReadingFederal and State Laws When Classifying Construction Workers
Independent contractors are crucial to having extra hands on deck when your business needs them most, keeping jobs on schedule and producing quality work. Yet, misclassifying someone who does work for you as an independent contractor rather than an employee can have serious consequences.
Continue ReadingPet Policies and Laws for Condo Owners
In recent years, the condo community has been impacted by the rising popularity and acceptance of pet-friendly culture in modern-day America. Roughly 45.5% of American households have a dog, and 32.1% own a cat. These statistics are expected to grow with the rise of pet-friendly workplaces, restaurants, travel options, and housing.
Continue ReadingWater Damage in Condos: A Full Guide
From unfixed plumbing issues on a floor above you to an often unattended unit beside you, various situations could lead to significant water damage in your condominium in Massachusetts. If you’ve recently suffered water-related damages in your condo, you may wonder whether you will need to pay for repair expenses or other associated fees.
Continue ReadingThe Frustration Coronavirus is Causing for Businesses
Heavily-effected companies in the travel, hospitality, and restaurant sectors have seen huge losses of revenue. However, the construction industry has also seen a unique web of concerns, including delays and loss of business.
Continue ReadingCOVID-19 Impact on Existing Commercial Leases and Residential Tenants
Although the coronavirus situation is currently unfolding and many changes could be yet to come, there have been some government actions that affect businesses, landlords and residential tenants alike.
Continue ReadingNet Lease Vs Gross Lease: Which is Right For Me?
Whether you’re a tenant looking to lease a commercial space or a landlord looking to rent out a commercial property, it’s necessary to understand the ways to negotiate a property lease in Massachusetts.
Continue ReadingCommercial Restaurant Lease Dispute | What To Consider
We are currently in the final year of a triple net commercial lease for a freestanding building. The building is 45 years old, and we have leased at this location since 1996, having operated a restaurant on site. Since 1996, we have invested in yearly maintenance for the parking lot and roofing, both of which are in poor condition.
Continue ReadingTop Real Estate Tips for Small Businesses
Small businesses need real estate, too. In fact, 85 percent of commercial real estate transactions handled by the National Association of Realtors are for properties under $2 million and involve businesses that the association considers “small businesses.” Whether leasing commercial space or buying commercial property, small business owners need office space, retail space, manufacturing facilities, storage space etc… to operate their business, sell their products or services and to interact with consumers. While some entrepreneurs can work from home, many small companies and startups eventually need to rent or buy commercial space to continue growing their business.
Continue ReadingSubcontractor Mechanics Lien
I am a subcontractor who has not been paid for my work. Can I place a lien on the homeowner’s property?
Continue ReadingWhat to Do If a General Contractor Completes Poor Work
I signed a contract with a general contractor to have some renovation work done in my Massachusetts home. The contract had a clause stating the general contractor could not be sued and the general contractor would not be held responsible for any problems with the work done to my home. The actual renovation work on my home was done by a subcontractor, who was hired by the general contractor. I did not sign a separate contract with the subcontractor.
Continue ReadingWhat You Can Do About Neighborhood Noise From Fire Pits
We purchased an end unit condo in Barnstable County. After we moved in, our condo association installed a fire pit in a common area about 25 feet from our bedroom window.
Continue ReadingWhat to Know About Converting Rental Units to Condos
How soon do landowners have to notify tenants if they plan to convert a rental building into condos?
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