Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is advocating for tenants' rights in Massachusetts by challenging what she views as unfair lease terms. In an amicus brief for the case Peebles v. JRK Property Holdings, Inc., AG Campbell urged the Supreme Judicial Court to address the financial burden on tenants caused by illegal lease terms related to routine maintenance and professional cleaning fees upon move-out, as per the Office of the Attorney General release.
JRK Property Holdings, a Los Angeles-based company, is accused of retaining parts of tenants' security deposits to cover standard wear and tear, which AG Campbell argues violates Massachusetts law. The state's security deposit statute protects tenants from being held financially responsible for the natural deterioration of properties.
The case also questions landlords' demands that tenants pay for professional cleaning services, which AG Campbell contends is a violation of the security deposit statute. The Attorney General’s Office has previously ruled that unfair lease terms are in breach of state consumer protection laws.
To help educate the public, AG Campbell has released a Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights, which explains the legal boundaries of lease agreements. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated are encouraged to file a complaint online or contact the Attorney General’s office. The case is being handled by the Consumer Protection Division and the Housing Affordability Unit.
