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Updated about 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

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56
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Mariusz Bojarczuk
  • Salem, MA
14
Votes |
56
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Can I accept utilities payment

Mariusz Bojarczuk
  • Salem, MA
Posted

Dear Fellow Landlords,

I have a lodger in my house, who received a notice to quit before Massachusetts announced state of emergency. He knows I cannot proceed with eviction and behaves as if it is his house. I did ask him for half of utilities. If I accept the money for utilities, do I lose my rights to proceed with eviction after the state of emergency is lifted? I cannot find any information on this. 

The notice to quit I served him did not state it is because of non payment. He did pay his rent. It was no cause notice. I did not accept rent for May, but I need money for utilities he is running up all the time.

It is the house I live in. He does not have a written lease. I knew him for a short time before I let him move in, and I made a big mistake. 

If anyone has an answer to my question, please help me with this issue. I am also not sure if I can accept rent since I have no right to evict him now during the state of emergency.

Thank you all for reading my post.

Mariusz

Most Popular Reply

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2,267
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1,665
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Lien Vuong
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Boston, MA
1,665
Votes |
2,267
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Lien Vuong
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Boston, MA
Replied

If you accept his payment of any kind he's still considered a tenant. I would not accept it and see if there's a case for you to call local police to file a trespassing notice on him inside your property. File for forbearance or deferment of your mortgage and unemployment benefits ASAP.  

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