Bill > H520

This bill requires tenants in Massachusetts who are facing eviction and claim that the condition of their rental property is the reason they shouldn't be evicted or shouldn't have to pay rent, to take specific actions when they file their response with the court. Specifically, the tenant must either deposit the full amount of rent claimed by the landlord with the court, or prove that they have placed that rent money into a special bank account in both their name and the landlord's name, or provide a bond for that amount. However, this rent deposit requirement can be waived if the tenant files an affidavit detailing their efforts to notify the landlord about the property's conditions and any complaints made to the local health department, along with copies of related correspondence. If this affidavit is insufficient, the waiver will be denied, and the rent deposit will be required. Failure to either provide a sufficient affidavit or make the rent deposit at the time of filing their response will result in the dismissal of any part of their defense that relates to the property's conditions.