tenancy by giving the other party notice, either 30 days or one month before the due date of the next rent payment, whichever is longer. The rent can change with notice according to the same terms (30 days or one month before the next rent payment).
A tenancy where the tenant pays rent more than once a month (for example, every week) is also a tenancy-at-will. However, the notice period for termination remains the same (the longer of 30 days or one month before the next rent payment).
Obligations of the landlord and the tenant
Whether a tenancy is created by a lease or a tenancy-at-will, the tenant must pay rent, follow the rules agreed upon with the landlord, and accept responsibility for any damage to the apartment that is more than just “normal wear and tear”, whether caused by the tenant or caused by a guest of the tenant. The landlord must provide an apartment that is safe, well-maintained, and in compliance with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code, and they must live up to any promises in the lease or rental agreement.
The tenant has a right to occupy the apartment and the landlord may only enter under certain circumstances. The landlord must arrange with the tenant in advance to enter the apartment to make repairs, to inspect the condition of the apartment, or to show the apartment to prospective tenants, buyers or real estate agents. However, the landlord may enter an apartment without a tenant’s approval if there is a mechanical/repair emergency that has the potential to damage the whole building, or if it appears that the tenant has abandoned the apartment.20
Lease Negotiations
Although not required by laws or regulations, it is important for both a landlord and a tenant to know that they can negotiate with each other over the terms of a lease. In general, the