Archive for the 'Boston Rental Property' category
Boston Tenancies Explained
Understanding Boston apartments for rent is easy: there are basically two distinct types of tenancies in Massachusetts. These are a lease and a tenancy at will.
The common misconception for both parties is that leases are better for landlords and tenancies-at-will are better for tenants. However, this isn't always the case. Which is better depends on the needs of each party in terms of stability, predictability, and flexibility, as the terms and conditions of both a lease or a tenancy-at-will can be negotiated between the tenant and leasing landlord.
(*Except in the case of units receiving state or federal subsidy, in which case the lease must be made for at least one year.)
Written Fixed Lease Differences
A lease can be:
- For a fixed term of tenancy (one year on average). A tenancy-at-will is from month to month.
- Terminated during the term determined by the lease, and only for reasons listed in the lease. A tenancy-at-will can be terminated without any reason.
- Used to define a specific fixed monthly rent, but can also allow for rent increases when it not specified in the lease. For tenant-at-will, the landlord can increase the rent upon giving notice one rental period in advance.
Basics of Tenancy at Will
A tenancy-at-will for a Boston rental property can be a written agreement, oral, or by the actions of the landlord and tenant. For example, the landlord or the landlord's agent accepting rent from the tenant. The best method of Tenancy at will is obviously to have any rental agreement in writing.
Whatever transpires between the landlord and tenant parties creates a contract. This means that both parties have to agree on the essential terms of the contract, which includes the amount of rent to be charged / paid, the total term of the tenancy, and what items are included in the tenancy. These terms cannot be modified or changed without the consent of both the landlord and the tenant.
It is common for landlords to wrongly assume that the rent for a tenancy at will can be increased soley by action on the landlord's part, in the form of giving a rent increase notice. But this isn't true: as with any other contract, the tenant must agree to the changes, by either expression or action. However, if the tenant does not agree with the rent increase, the landlord could threaten to or actually terminate the tenancy.
Terms and Terminations
The term specifics of tenancies at will are usually on a month to month basis. Unlike a lease, a tenancy at will can be terminated by the Boston property management for any lawful reason. This is called a “no fault” eviction.
The period required for termination for a tenancy at will is often determined by frequency of the rental payment. If the rent payment is monthly, then both the landlord or the tenant can terminate the agreement by giving a valid thirty-day notice. If the rent is paid less frequently, like once every six months, then the required termination period will be equal to that rent payment period.
Now that you're in the know about rental terms, contact Phoenix Realty to get started on your Boston apartment search, or to list your Boston apartment!
Read the full source article on Leases and Tenancies at Will from boston.com.
Moving Day Strategy
The dreaded September 1st Boston apartments for rent move-in date is fast approaching, and now's the time to get together your move-in strategy for the day. Follow the strategy tips below on how to streamline the moving process, and make the day go by with the least amount of stress as possible.
Be Packed and Ready to Go BEFORE Moving Day
You need to be prepared to successfully conquer Moving Day. You don't want to be packing things up last minute, as this can lead to disorganization and not remembering where or what you packed. So begin organizing boxes days or weeks before the move, and this will definitely save you a great deal of time. Carrying stacked boxes to a moving van is efficient, but stuffing clothes into grocery bags on your way out isn't.
Another advantage to planning ahead allows you to sort through the items that you no longer want or need, thus saving you from unnecessary packing and unpacking. Why spend all the effort packing and moving when you are just going to throw it away?
Get Friends Involved and Assign Roles
Once you have determined the move-in date for your new Boston rental property, enlist the help of friends and family to get you moved in. The more people you can get, the faster you will be able to move in: and if you have 3-4 strong movers, moving the particularly heavy items will be a lot less taxing than just having your parents help.
Also, determine who will be doing what BEFORE you begin to move. The stronger movers should handle the large items, and those less strong can handle smaller boxes or help you clean as you move in: which will be HUGE timesaver later.
Move Heavy or Large Items First
Moving is exhausting, and it's easy to get worn out. But it's better to get worn out AFTER moving the large, heavy objects into your building. These are typically furniture items, and should be moved first: after you get these in, the rest of the lighter-weight moving will be easy. Well, easier.
Stair Strategy / Elevator Use
Use the elevator whenever possible, if one is available in your building. You can also save trips by carrying as much as you can - safely - up the stairs, but don't waste time and energy carrying items that can be transported via elevator.
With over a week left until move-in, make the most out of your time and get started on your moving strategy!
Source Article: http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com
Featured Listing: Allston
This charming first floor studio (Listing Number: 27117) is one of the coziest Allston, MA apartments the area has to offer. The 342 sq ft space rents for $995 and features a modern kitchen and bathroom, central AC, and a common area laundry room. This classic-looking mid rise also happens to be located right on Comm. Ave and is within close proximity to the T. Hot water and heat are included.
Did we mention the building has a pool?
You can view the online listing for additional pictures and information. Also be sure to check out some of our other Boston apartments for rent.
Reasons to own a Boston rental property
In addition to the fact that Boston, MA is an overall great place to live, owning a Boston rental property is a very smart investment for reasons other than just Boston’s appeal.
Out of the 100 plus colleges located in New England, half of them have campuses located in the Greater Boston area. In fact, about one fourth of Boston’s population is college students, which means approximately 160,000 college students come in and out of Boston rentals every year. Some even call Cambridge the “original college town”.
In addition to the large student population in need of a Boston apartment to rent, Boston’s tight development laws and even tighter amount of undeveloped land make rental properties a hot commodity. With a smaller stock of Boston apartments, students need to outbid each other to secure their Boston apartment for rent, while the property owner gets to reap all the benefits. Additionally, these investments seem to be recession-proof. Despite the current economic conditions, Boston real estate has fared far better than other major US cities.
Convinced yet? Check out our listings of multifamily and apartment complexes for sale.
Tenancy at Will
A lease is a contract that details an agreement between a landlord and a tenant regarding certain terms, such as duration. But what happens when neither party wants to commit to a certain amount of time? Tenancy-at-will!
So, what exactly is this and how does it work? Also known as a “month-to-month” lease, tenancy-at-will is an agreement (written or verbal) that affords leniency to a landlord or tenant as to how long the living space will be rented for. Whether you’re living in an Allston apartment or a Back Bay condo, these leases allow either party to cancel the living arrangement as desired. However, that party must provide the other with a certain amount of notice, and specify the length of that notice in the initial agreement.
There are of course, pros and cons, for both tenants and landlords. Tenancy-at-will obviously is beneficial for the party that terminates the contract, and generally a hassle for the person who has to honor the terms of the agreement. This contract is definitely not for those who value predictability. Some prefer annual leases or leases with other fixed terms to ensure a smooth renting experience without any surprises.
On the other hand, the unpredictability and flexibility can also be a good thing. A tenancy-at-will agreement could potentially benefit those who are plagued by uncertainty as to where they want to be in five months.
Phoenix Realty can help you find an apartment under the terms that best suit your needs. Contact us for help, or browse our online listings of Boston apartments and other Boston rental properties.