Tenants need to have access to the basement if circuit breakers, utility meters, or oil tanks are down there. Your landlord is responsible for snow and ice removal in common areas and walkways. They have 24 hours after the end of a storm to clear the area.
MAKING REPAIRS
Landlords must give you “reasonable notice” before coming to your unit to make non-emergency repairs. Reasonable notice is at least 24 hours. We recommend written notice, but it's not required.
Landlords must meet all housing rules, even if they claim they didn't know them. Not knowing is not an acceptable excuse.
Cross-metering
You only have to pay for utilities that serve your apartment.
If you share a meter with other units, the landlord can’t ask you to pay the utilities. This is called cross-metering and it's illegal. You can agree to pay for lighting in a common area, but only if the landlord tells other tenants about it.
If you think your unit is cross-metered, you can file a complaint. We'll do a follow-up inspection and give your landlord a citation if there is cross-metering. We'll also give you a copy of the citation.
You have a right to file a complaint with your utility company. You can provide the utility company with a copy of the order written by the inspector.
File a cross-metering complaint
Still have questions? Contact:
Inspectional Services
617-635-5300
send an email
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th Floor
Boston, MA
02118
United States
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