Why Property Maintenance is Important: Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities in Massachusetts

If you are a Massachusetts landlord, proper maintenance of your real estate investment will keep your property in good shape and also avoid friction between you and your tenants. 

If you are a Massachusetts tenant, it is useful to know your rights so that if your landlord fails to maintain the property you are living in, you are aware if what steps you can legally take to remedy the situation.

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, you can use this article to better understand landlord and tenant responsibilities and rights in Boston, MA. 

Why Good Property Maintenance Makes Both Parties Happy

If you are a landlord and your tenants are satisfied with the way you maintain the property they call home, they are more likely not to be late with their rent, to take care of their units, and to renew their leases. You, as a landlord, will reap the benefits of low tenant turnover (resulting in fewer vacancy days) and a more consistent cash flow.

Property Maintenance Tips for Boston Landlords

Seasonal inspections and maintenance and taking care of small problems promptly before they turn into bigger ones will save you money over the long term.

A good idea is to set aside one or two months of rent per year (more for an older property) to cover maintenance costs. If you have a vacancy, make sure the rental unit is up to code and appealing to prospective new tenants so that it rents quickly.

Your Obligations as a Massachusetts Landlord

As a landlord in Massachusetts, your responsibilities include the duty to provide the following:

• Habitable premises in good repair and free from infestation.
• Adequate heat, electricity and hot water.
• Necessary kitchen appliances in good working order.
• Good plumbing and working toilets.
• Maintenance of all exits to the property which should also be free of obstructions.

For a more detailed explanation of your duties, please consult the Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Landlord Rights and Responsibilities.

Your Rights as a Massachusetts Tenant

All tenants in Massachusetts have the legal right to live in a rental property that is kept in good condition and meets basic standards with respect to Massachusetts health and safety regulations.

If your landlord fails in his responsibilities to fix major problems, such as a broken heating system or a leaky roof, you have legal rights, including:

• Withholding rent until repairs are made.
• The right to “repair and deduct” – i.e., you can hire someone (such as an electrician or a plumber) to fix a serious defect in your rental unit (or buy what is needed to make the repair and do it yourself) and deduct the cost from your rent.

To read about your tenant rights in more detail, please click this link to the Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What Massachusetts Tenants Should Know Before Making Rent Deductions

Before deciding to withhold rent or take advantage of repair and deduct, make sure that the circumstances justify your taking the action. You need to know the following:

• What maintenance emergencies are more important than others.
• When a lack of maintenance qualifies for rent withholding or repair and deduct.
• The length of time you must give your landlord to fix the problem and what written notice to give him before you can take action.
• How much rent you may withhold or deduct, how often you can do so, and whether you need to pay the withheld amounts into an escrow account.
• What your protection is from landlord retaliation (e.g. terminating your lease, raising your rent, or locking you out of your apartment).

Remember to Check Local Boston Rules

Local housing ordinances for your particular Massachusetts town or city should be consulted for regulations covering tenant rights.

Find your local building or housing authority by contacting your mayor or city manager’s office or viewing your city or county website.

Find a Good Property Management Company in Boston

Premier Property Solutions can take all the worry about managing your Massachusetts rental property off your hands, including the handling of maintenance requests from your tenants.

We will take all the burden of maintenance off your shoulders ensuring that maintenance issues are taken care of efficiently and promptly and that you have happy tenants. Please contact us to see how we can make your life as a landlord a lot easier.

Staying Safe Around the Holidays in Boston

There is nothing quite like all the good cheer and joy associated with the holiday season. When friends and relatives get together to celebrate the season and leave behind the cares and concerns of jobs and other priorities.

Amid all this good cheer, though, it's good to keep in mind some points about holiday safety in Boston, so nothing spoils the mood. Unfortunately, some individuals see the holidays as a time to take advantage of others.

With this in mind, all Boston area residents would do well to remember some of the following precautions and keep the season safe. From a property manager in Boston, here are some easy safety tips to help you enjoy your holidays both inside & outside your home.

Holiday Safety Outside the Home

Once you step outside the safety of your home or apartment, there's literally a whole world of things that can go wrong during the holidays.

From weather to robbery to driving under the influence of liquid cheer, there are any number of ways that a good time can quickly be transformed into a holiday nightmare. Here are the best tips we have to keep you safe outside of your home.

• Dress Appropriately - this might seem pretty obvious, but on a given winter day in Boston, the weather could range anywhere from spring-like to blizzard-like. Before you venture outside, it would be good to know which kind of weather you're walking out into. This means wearing layered clothing in cold weather, protecting your face, and having suitable footwear which can grip surfaces. 
• Protect Yourself from Theft - when you travel somewhere, make sure your wallets are secure and purses are not left sitting anywhere, making them susceptible to easy theft. It's best to not  carry large sums of cash either, just in case the unthinkable does happen.
• When you’re out shopping - remember to leave the lights on in your apartment, and maybe even leave the radio playing to give the illusion that someone is home. When you're Christmas shopping, don't get in a situation where you're carrying a number of boxes or bags, because someone can easily dash off with those shopping bags.

• Child safety - don't let children get lost in the holiday crowd, and when you're out in a busy area, make sure to discuss a plan beforehand which identifies a place to meet, in case you should become separated for any reason.
• Vehicle safety - even if it happens to be a super-cold day, you shouldn't leave your vehicle running while you 'quickly' run into a store for something, regardless of whether someone is in the car or not. If you're moving on to another store, make sure you don't leave your bags and boxes exposed to view in the car while you're inside.
• Celebrating and partying - holiday driving can be one of the riskiest times on the road, not only because of potential weather issues, but because a lot of other people may be coming from celebrations, and are not as alert or responsible as normal. If you're hosting a party, make sure no one leaves intoxicated, and if you're attending one, be sure to eat something substantial before drinking.

Holiday Safety Inside Your Home

Most people feel very safe inside their own residence since all those external dangers discussed above are largely neutralized.

However, there are still some hazards to be aware of. Decorations add a great deal to the holiday spirit, but they also provide many opportunities for accidents. Here are the best tips and tricks we have to keep you safe inside your home during the holidays.

• Have a functional fire extinguisher - in case any kind of fire breaks out, you'll want a working fire extinguisher which has been regularly tested.
• Don't leave food in the oven - many fires in the past have started because something was left in the oven over a long period of time and forgotten. 
• Don't leave candles lit - most of the time, a candle will just burn itself out right in its holder - but if you leave it burning while you're out shopping, that might be the one time in ten that a flame spills over the holder.
• Water the Christmas tree - be sure that your Christmas tree is well hydrated, so it doesn't become overly dry in the de-humidified air of your apartment, making it a huge fire hazard.

• Don't overload electrical outlets - when you have lots of holiday lights and gadgets that require electricity, you might be tempted to overload your outlets. This can create a dangerous situation, perfect for sparking a flame.
• Remove frayed wires - especially on older Christmas ornaments and lights, frayed wires can be a hazard, so these should all be examined before usage.
• Supplemental heat sources - make sure your fireplace is clean and the flue is unclogged. If you use portable heaters, make sure they're not stationed near anything flammable, and that they're not left running for hours at a time. Along those same lines, make sure your CO detectors are in good order.
• Make sure smoke detectors work - Massachusetts law says there must be a functional smoke detector outside every bedroom, at the bottom of stairways, and at least one on each level of a home. This is an easy tip to make sure you are aware if any fire does break out.

Stay Safe and Spread the Holiday Spirit

All in all, the holidays are a great time to not get away from your worries and spend time with those who mean the most to you. Following the tips above will make for a stress-free and joyous holiday season.

We want you to enjoy yourselves and help prevent any safety issues from happening. From everyone here at Premier Property Solutions, we hope you have a safe and beautiful holiday with your friends and family.

How To Prepare For The Baseball Playoffs in Boston

To prepare for baseball playoffs in Boston, a survival guide is in order.

Which sports bars are best for watching a game?
Which roads in and around Fenway should be avoided?
How can tickets be obtained?
Just how crazy can the playoff scene get?

These are important questions for hardcore Boston baseball fans, of course, but they also matter even more to those who are just trying to go about their normal routines during the October craziness.

Preparation Tips:

• Navigating Traffic During the Baseball Playoffs in Boston
• Popular Bars To Enjoy The Baseball Playoffs 
• Reminders For A Safe and Fun Experience
• Celebrating Boston Pride & Excellence

Professional Baseball in Boston: A Communal Phenomenon

A Quick Overview Of Recent Boston Sports Domination

Many residents of Boston are enthusiastic about sports, and with good reason. There may be no other city which can claim a similar level of excellence from their beloved teams.

The New England Patriots have four NFL titles to their credit and are arguably the most dominant team of the millennium. The Boston Celtics have 17 championship banners hanging in TD Garden. Six times, the Stanley Cup has made its way to Boston courtesy of the Bruins.

It is rare for a year to pass without Boston hosting a playoff game of some kind, yet there is one team above all others which drives the city into a frenzy when the postseason time arrives: the Boston Red Sox.

Boston’s storied professional baseball franchise is a communal phenomenon that touches every aspect of New England life in the fall. Whether one is a fan or not, the pulse of Boston changes when the Red Sox take that magical trip through October.

Tuning Into Baseball Forecasts in Boston

With all of this renewed success, knowing how to prepare for baseball playoffs in Boston is a must. This is especially true for those that might not be a fan of the Sox or America’s pastime.

Monitoring the outcome of games via radio and television will go a long way towards giving fans and non-fans alike a heads-up if celebrations are likely to spill over into the streets.

WEEI 93.7 FM is the local flagship station for the Red Sox and can be trusted for the latest real-time information. It can also be useful to explore lists like 10 Things to Know about Living in Boston for a general and practical overview of how the city moves and breathes.

Come October 4th of 2016, it appears that the division-leading Red Sox are primed to make another deep run in their quest for a fourth World Series title since 2004 and ninth overall. The city will resonate with increased activity in addition to its normal hustle and bustle.

From Cursed to First - The History of the Sox

From 1918 until 2004, the infamous Curse of the Bambino hovered over Fenway Park, the oldest operating ballpark in the United States, like a funeral shroud. Thought to be punishment for selling Babe Ruth to the hated New York Yankees in the 1919 off-season, the curse was broken in 2004 when the Boston Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to capture the World Series.

Since that time, the home team has brought the city two more World Series titles. It is clear that any slight suffered by the Bambino is forgiven. If the Babe were alive today, he’d probably be joining in with the locals at the Cask ‘n Flagon in the shadow of Fenway Park for a cold beer and a bowl of New England clam chowder.

Navigating Traffic During the Baseball Playoffs in Boston

The first consideration for Boston residents is how the baseball playoffs can impact traffic in the city. Those who commute to Boston for work every day are particularly affected.

Each year at playoff time, the City of Boston publishes a list of routes and tow-zones that locals should familiarize themselves with. The City of Boston first and foremost advises the use of public transportation during the playoffs whenever possible.

Areas and streets that are typically designated as no parking tow zones include:

• Boylston Street from Yawkey Way to Ipswich Street
• Van Ness Street from Kilmarnock to Ipswich Street
• Brookline Avenue from Kenmore Square to Overland Street
• Lansdowne Street from Brookline Avenue to Ipswich Street
• Ipswich Street from Boylston to Lansdowne Street
• Yawkey Way from Brookline Avenue to Boylston Street

Don't Get Towed: While restrictions are typically imposed beginning at four hours prior to game time, parking in one of these areas prior to the implementation of traffic and parking regulations does not exempt one from being towed. In other words, those who park at 8 a.m. in a restricted zone could be very unhappy when they return from work or other activities at 5 p.m. and find that their vehicle has been towed.

Pay Parking Fees: The city regularly deploys extra enforcement personnel to the Fenway/Kenmore area during the playoff to ensure compliance and that all parking lots are duly licensed to provide parking for a fee. Attempting to park in a lot without authorization is ill-advised. Extra personnel are also utilized for maintenance and emergency support.

Carpool or Avoid Driving: Like all major cities, Boston has a natural flow and rhythm. It will pay to work within the context of how the traffic flows toward the epicenter that is Fenway Park in October. The ballpark is the hub, and for those few magical weeks it dictates the flow. This is a great time to carpool or even avoid driving whenever possible.

3 Popular Bars to Enjoy the Baseball Playoffs in Boston

Not everyone will be fortunate enough to score tickets and great seats at Fenway. Even though nothing can compare to the sound of the ball as it explodes off of Big Papi’s bat, here are some popular bars in the Fenway area where the game can be enjoyed in comfort while surrounded by other passionate Red Sox fans.

1. The Baseball Tavern

Since 1963, The Baseball Tavern at 1270 Boylston has been a friendly gathering spot during baseball season. Featuring one of the city’s only roof decks, patrons can sit atop the pub and look out over Fenway Park.

Rooftop grilling is illegal in Boston, so picking a spot like this is a way one can still enjoy a nice meal and alcoholic beverage outdoors in the vicinity of the ballpark.
The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is laid-back.

2. The Bleacher Bar

The Bleacher Bar is truly a Fenway landmark. Located at 82A Lansdowne Street, this bar actually sits beneath the centerfield bleachers in Fenway very close to Ted Williams’ Red Seat.

It features screened windows that look out directly on the outfield. Those who prize ambiance as well as great food and drink will love this little tavern which truly embraces a love for baseball.

3. McGreevy’s

McGreevy’s traces its history to 1894 when it was called McGreevy’s Third Base Saloon.

McGreevy’s in Back Bay proudly claims the title of America’s first sports bar. It is situated at 911 Boylston, close enough to the ballpark that it captures the essence of playoff fever.

This is the place to go if you want to soak in the rich history of sports in Boston. With fine Irish Whiskey and signature drinks like Peach on a Bender, McGreevy’s has a great vibe. If one happens to be a fan of the Yankees, heavens forbid, it is probably wise to give McGreevy’s a wide berth at playoff time. The Red Sox fans who congregate here are among Boston’s most loyal.

Final Reminders for a Safe and Fun Experience

Rooting for the home team as they contend for a championship is something all sports fans enjoy, and the City of Boston encourages everyone to get in the spirit of the postseason. With that being said, responsibility should always rule the day.

The standard exhortations apply: have a designated driver, respect the surroundings and locales, and take some time to prepare for baseball playoffs in Boston ahead of time.

Get Last Minute Tickets

Playoff tickets can be hard to come by, even in September, but outlets like Stub Hub often have tickets available from other fans. Shopping the various ticket outlets online is the most efficient way to find the best prices and the best seats.

Check the local papers and television stations each day for weather information and other specifics related to the game. As always, the best source of information is that which is received from local sources.

Drink Responsibly

Remember to always carry extra cash and identification. Assign a designated driver to get everyone home safely. When in doubt of yours or your designated driver's sobriety, always choose to take a professional car service instead of driving. Your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road is paramount. Additionally, Police are waiting to catch drivers who are under the influence and getting a DUI is a sure-fire way to ruin your time at the playoffs.

Have a Peaceful Celebration

Things can get a little rowdy in places where fans gather during the playoffs. Emotions run high. When combined with alcohol, those emotions can occasionally turn a peaceful celebration into an ugly scene. It pays for individuals to mind their surroundings, monitor the pulse of what is taking place, and avoid trouble before it starts.

The worst place to watch the Red Sox is a Boston jail, and local law enforcement is probably less tolerant of those who engage in bad behavior during playoff time.

Practice Good Sportsmanship

Lastly, respect for the game and Boston’s fine sports teams includes respect for fans of opposing teams. Good-natured ribbing is fine, but locals can seize the baseball playoffs as a great opportunity to put a great face on Boston as a courteous host.

Celebrating Boston Pride & Excellence

Boston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. When Boston sports teams make the playoffs, however, a unity emerges that touches the entirety of Boston culture. For a few blissful days, sports fans and those who have little interest in stolen bases and walk-off homers join together and take pride in their city.

As a leader among Boston property managers, Premier Property Solutions gets the concept of excellence which drives professional sports in Boston. To be the best here, it involves a commitment not only to one’s sport or business, but to the great city of Boston and the many people that make it thrive.

How to Spot a Good or Bad Property Manager - Before You Move In!

When choosing a rental home or apartment, there are several aspects of the property that you want to examine critically. 

Most important is that the management company does a great job caring for the property, handling any issues, and dealing with you professionally to ensure your rental period is enjoyable. 

In this post are important tips to find you a great property management company before you make the big commitment to move in.

What to Look for in a Good Property Manager

Finding a great property management company is not too difficult; ask for referrals from people you know and read online reviews. Look for positives and negatives and get information from a range of sources so you are sure it’s not biased.

Take your time to research your potential home in detail and identify any red flags. This will save you wasted time in the future if you learn about the bad habits of your property management team when you've already entered a lease agreement with them.

Finding an ethical property management company should always be your goal. This means you’ll have a certain level of trust that they will handle any problems and deal with you fairly throughout your lease term.

Learn our best questions to ask during your property screening...

Interview Questions When Meeting a Potential Property Manager

We hope the following questions will assist you on your search for the best property manager in Boston. Bring these questions with you to ensure a property screening.

• How long have you managed this property? Or, how long has your company managed properties in general? Look for a company with experience managing properties.

• What kinds of property do you manage? You want a management company that works specifically with the kind of home you want because different properties have different management needs. 

• What insurance do you carry as a management company? Expect a good property management company to carry general liability insurance that would cover anyone who is hurt on the property. Also, a legitimate property management company should have errors & omissions (E & O) insurance. E & O insurance covers the manager in the event of a claim of negligence, and can keep the community solvent. 

• How many property managers do you have, and how many units does each manage? Less than 50 to 60 units per manager is best to ensure the management company has the capacity to handle any repair issues and customer service for tenants. 

• Can I see a copy of your lease? Read over the blank lease, with an eye toward any issues that you might not have already discussed. Likewise, look for any phrasing that appears to conflict with what you've heard from the property manager. Actively ask questions!

• 

  How often do you have to evict someone? Hopefully, the answer here is very seldom. Good property managers don’t typically have to evict well-screened tenants.

• How do you screen tenants? A criminal background check is the most vital, but speaking to previous landlords is often telling as well, as is a credit and employment check. Fully employed, responsible adults make the best tenants and neighbors.

• How can I pay my rent? Can I drop it off at the office, even when closed? Is there a dropbox for checks? Can I pay it online via the company website? Having a number of options makes it easier for you overall, and the best property managers know that keeping their tenants happy is crucial.

• When is the rent due? Is there a late fee, and if so, when is that due? Understand your responsibilities, and what the management company expects, so that you comply with your lease.

• What do you do for routine maintenance of the property? Do you perform regular inspections? Pest control service? Lawn, landscaping or snow removal services? Know what is and is not included in your rent so you can estimate your overhead accurately.

• What is your repair process? How quickly can I expect a problem to be handled? Their answer to this should not be vague, and they should be able to commit to a certain timeframe, such as “Within 24 hours”.  

Watch Out for Red Flags of a Bad Property Manager

Drive by some of the properties the company manages; you can tell by looking at a complex whether you could expect a clean condominium in many cases. If they are not in good shape and well-cared for, that’s a definite red flag.  

Likewise, if talking to current tenants gleans less than glowing opinions of the management company, that’s another red flag.

In particular, if they talk about things not being fixed, noise at night, dirty common areas, trouble getting your security deposit back, and finding somewhere better to live when their lease is up - red flags!

How Can I Find the Best Property Manager in Boston?

Are you looking for the best property management company in the Boston area? Well, look no further, because you have found Premier Property Solutions.

 We manage properties all over the area, so no matter if you prefer close to the action at Fenway Park, or in the Back Bay area, we have you covered. 

Give us a call at 617.345.0045 and let’s find your new home, today!

Property Management Halloween Stories That Will Make You Scream

Not for the faint of heart! This blog contains graphic scenes and images. 

Halloween is the time of year in which we have the most fun with our decorations.

But tenants who are not pleased with the operations, or those who have been delinquent in their monthly rental payments and soon to leave while breaking their lease can be problematic.

It’s integral to have a great property management service who can curb the horrors of dealing with these mishaps. Have you heard stories of spine-tingling creatures living in the crevices of your tenant's units?

Or the jaw-dropping tales of fire suddenly ripping a large condo or apartment building to shreds while fate cuts a tenant’s life short for sleeping and not waking up to the emergency?

We will give three horrific, spine-tingling instances of landlords and tenants that show you the benefits of hiring an experienced property manager.

Lack of Quality Property Management Lets the Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs can make your home uninhabitable.

We all know the adage, "Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."

If you have ever figured that they are not in your bed, you may be gravely mistaken.

And if you don't have a quality property manager who can send for an exterminator or their crew to curb this problem right away, you may be in for many "bite-mares" from bed bugs.

These creatures can seem invisible can reproduce their larvae in your sheets, walls, couches, and wooden table. The life cycle of a bed bug is fairly short, but they can feed every 10 minutes.

Once they band together, they can make your belongings looks ultimately scary, causing you, tenants and their guests, and potential condo buyers to not want to return to your building or apartment complex. 

These are ghoulish creatures have the ability to invisibly seep their way into your skin! Also, the Board of Inspections could potentially shut down your apartment or condominium complex, which lead to an underwater mortgage.

You don't want these to show up in neither you nor your tenant's dreams. Imagine waking up to hearing the phone calls from tenant's screaming in your ear about the crawling dirty mite-sized bugs everywhere. Then, noticing once you get in bed, those bed bugs have destroyed your mattress.

Here is a shocking and gruesome video of what happens if you don’t attack bed bugs quickly enough:

Burning Down The House

You may have tenants or neighbors who have Halloween parties every year. You should learn how to manage large parties in Boston for your property. If you don't, it's safe to assume there will be some damage done that could not only cost you more than you budgeted for, but could also put lives in danger.

Here is an instance in which the tenant was hosting a party where guests were smoking inside their condo unit.

Home infernos can spark simply from a neglected cigarette butt.

One of the party guests flicked their cigarette out the window, but it was a windy night. Mysteriously, the wind blew the still lit cigarette butt back into the room and landed on dry plant.

The party made it's way into another room for about a half hour, and the cigarette sent the plant up into flames. It resulted in a major fire with flames engulfing the entire apartment.  

Evacuation due to fire.

There are two missteps that happened: 

1. There was no established and effective communication system with the landlord for tenants to can contact them during emergencies.

2. All condo owners did not have a condo insurance policy in place.

Landlords and fellow tenants should know that investing in a condo or renter's insurance plan and good lawyers to make sure that items are replaceable, and not get a lawsuit from tenants in case their stuff gets stolen.

Pumpkin statue: "These pranksters killed our 'boo-tiful' setup!"

Pranks For The Memories

Halloween night pranks such as setting a lawn on fire, burning poop bags on front porches, and smashing pumpkins will really make you think twice before putting out other ornaments for your home in the future.

It is safe to assume there will be kids in the neighborhood looking for a good laugh at your property's expense.  

Another story comes during the night before Halloween, also known as "Mischief Night" or "Cabbage Night." 

Some pesky vandalizers who loved to trash other people's yards, front steps, or scare residents just to add to the Halloween spirit are just that— mean spirited. 

In one neighborhood on the Day of the Dead, which begins Halloween Night and ends on November 2nd, these violators decided that they wanted to place a dead deer carcass hanging from the tree in someone's front lawn.

Tenants may be complacent and not report these types of vandalism cases because they simply don't care. But you cannot take the same stance of complacency and need to act quickly to curtail these types of scenarios. 

If you are a landlord living outside of the town or city that your property is located, and do not have a high quality property management team hat can check the premises in the days leading up to Halloween, you will lose home value and risk a bad reputation as a landlord. 

The best way to protect your property on Cabbage Night is to have the budget for a property management team to check your property grounds daily during the month of October when you put out Fall and Halloween decorations. 

If you have ever had issues in the past with this, make sure that you have your communication methods in place with your tenants to email, text, contact you via your most active social media channels, or call you immediately if they see anything that has been vandalized on the property.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is supposed to be fun for all. But it's not so fun when your tenants have to come home to these types of situations. Having the means to help maintain your property's value and reliable services can make a huge difference with managing your tenants.

Have you ever dealt with vandalism on your property, pranks in your apartment building, or dead animals that tenants and real estate agents have been scared out of their wits by? Share with us some of your horrible experiences so we can help you come up with future solutions.

Allston Christmas: Tips and Warnings for Boston Move-In Day

This article is a guide to help you understand how the old phrase "another man's trash is another man's treasure" firmly applies to what is called Allston Christmas.

You might also be interested in our Boston Sept. 1 Move-In Guide

A Guide For Success During Boston's "Allston Christmas" 

Allston is the section just outside of Boston that is a haven for lots of college students, post-grad upstarts and twenty-somethings, and other longtime residents that are outside of the 20-34 year-old demographic that comprises almost half of Boston's workforce.

Most of Allston is made up of renters who move yearly from apartment-to-apartment at the end of August once their lease ends. During the moving process, plenty of people will be tossing out old furniture and unwanted decor from their homes out onto their buildings and rental house curbs and sidewalks for all other migrants to rummage through.

For landlords and Boston Property Management companies, this guide will help you have a successful Allston Christmas and how to use multiple communication methods with tenants to address what is allowed in the property owner's units during Boston's most hectic time of year.

Moving In Sept. 1: A Boston Cluster-Land

September 1st is the date when the entire city becomes a zoo for professional movers, newly transplanted residents, and students who cram the city's streets, and mainly cause traffic on the city's longest strip, Commonwealth Avenue.

This main congested street runs from the Back Bay area near the Boston Public Garden through Allston, Brighton, to Newton.

Property management crews usually can help diffuse this chaos and help with the flow of traffic if you are living in a building that has multiple units. But not everyone is moving into an apartment complex or condo association.

This could cause many of you to double-park outside of the new apartment building to unload moving trucks and cars, but this only adds to the chaotic traffic.

Luckily, the Mayor's office is being a little more lackadaisical for parking permits this September 1st. But it's still best for you to believe that meter maids and police will be on the prowl to fill their month-end quotas for cutting parking tickets and moving violations on movers.

Allston Christmas Is Not Just for College Students

College students who live off-campus usually don't have much money to spend on new furniture. That is why you see them scavenge through piles of chairs, picking up old couches, coffee tables, and other home decoration items. But that does not mean they are the only people by age who are looking for new items to put into their homes.

Longtime residents are also looking for other items to place in their homes. Also, they may be looking to get rid of stuff for free.

So if you are a property manager or a landlord that has older residents living in some of your units, communicate with them to see if they are looking for items to place in their living quarters so you don't end up with piles of junk laid out in front of your building for the following weeks after moving day. Also, piles of trash can lead to rats, bugs, and other debris that can either cause you a city violation fine, or just a bad look for your property entrance.

Know What Types of Allston Christmas "Gifts" You Bring Into Your Home

Sometimes all the glitter of a displaced item is not gold. There are items that you should not be bringing into your home, that may appear safe when viewed on the street.

• Displaced mattresses - You never know who had been sleeping on that mattress, or used that mattress for other things beyond slumber. These may contain dangerous bed bugs, or may have broken springs inside the mattress.

• Chipped coffee tables - This is to expand on my previous point regarding bugs. If a coffee table looks old or chiseled in certain spots, it may not just be due to damage from the previous owners. It possibly could be due to termites that weaken the coffee table, if it's a wooden one. This adds potential for the bugs to relocate into your home!

• Old refrigerators - Don't bring these into your place just because it has a plug. It may only work temporarily until it permanently loses it's cooling ability. Also, older refrigerators can work so extremely that they can freeze your food to the point where it is no longer edible.

Make sure that you communicate with your landlord or property manager first to get their approval on what new items are allowed into your rental unit. If it's a new couch or something large in size that requires more than two people to move, notify the landlord or property manager before you move the items because it could potentially damage the walls. And that could hurt your security deposit return at the end of your lease.

Talk With Item Owners To See If They Are Trashing the Items Or Not

Looks can be deceiving during Allston Christmas because everyone is putting their items outside in stockpiles. This may not always mean that the owners of the items are throwing them away.

You don't want to look like a thief running off with items that are considered stolen by the owners. This is why it is important to simply ask questions about the items with the owners. Or if you don't know who the owner is and don't have time to wait for their return outside, leave a note on the item with your email address to ask and see if they are willing to hand over or resell you the items.

Final Thoughts on Allston Christmas in Boston, MA

This is a crazy time period, but it can be navigated well if you simply stay patient, do your research, and communicate with the landlords or property managers for advice. The weather is generally hot since it's still the summer, technically. But you can certainly become successful if you prepare well the night before Allston Christmas.

Have you ever moved during this timeframe? Or are you scheduled to move this year at the end of August? Tell us your best and worst experiences about moving during this time, and we can help you with answers beyond this guide.

Boston Property Managers Guide for Winter Preparation and Safety Tips

Safety Tips to Protect Your Tenants and Avoid Injury from Snow and Ice During The Winter Weather in Boston, MA

This guide will prepare a property owner and their building in Boston for harsh winter weather. Ensure tenant safety by taking the right steps to prepare your property for winter and avoid costly lawsuits due to negligence. 

The warm weather months in Boston are coming to an end and reality should suggest we are nigh on winter's arrival. This article will cover 3 tips for snow removal in the exterior of your building.

There are new rulings that property owners can be held liable in Boston for any snow-related accidents whether the snow was caused naturally or unnaturally.

Read our other article for tips and information to service your radiator as a Boston Property Manager.

As you prepare, start thinking about icicles, shoveling snow banks and the expectation of your tenants being inside their Boston rented homes more out of necessity to stay away from cold weather outside.

Sure, we still have the fall season that will have a few warm fronts move into forecast sporadically, but the quick removal of an unexpected ice dam will be crucial to a property owner's maintenance during the winter months.

3 Snow Removal Tips as a Property Manager in Boston

1. Hire A Reliable Snow Removal Service

• These service crews can be expensive to employ, yet prove invaluable during expected winter storms and random snow days that make it a hard commute. Make sure the contract states they will work as long as it takes to clear the snow from your property grounds and stairs. Keep in mind, snow removal services generally do not shovel out tenant's parking spaces.
• Use ice melt on your steps after snow storms.You don't want to have any liabilities like a slippery stair case on your hands.
• If it's not in your tenant's lease to shovel the snow, then any occurrence of them slipping and falling anywhere on the premises from black ice or snow could send you into an expensive lawsuit if a tenant gets injured.

2. Shovel The Snow With Your Tenants to Save Money

This tenant clearly needs a helping hand for digging out their car.

• If you live within the state where you own the property, then you likely will have your lease set up that you are responsible as the landlord for snow removal. 
• Invest in snow and ice removal equipment like snow plows, shovels, salt or sand to make sidewalks walkable. Also, use an ice melt solution to remove dangerous black ice in your driveways.
• Invest in shovels and hand each of your tenants one. If you have a limited supply of shovels, keep your tenants informed by sending them a mass email to notify them here the shovels are located in your building. 
• They can help too because the snow removal service is only responsible for the snow on your property being cleared during their scheduled time. If snow continues past that time, then your tenants can take matters into their own hands to dig out their cars and front steps.
• When they see that you have done your due diligence to ensure their safety on the exterior of your property, the do-it-yourself approach will help you build better relationships with your tenants aside from collecting their rent payments. 
• This could save you cash on removal services doing all the work around the clock. A strong community is built off mutual trust and familiarity among residents.

3. Always Remove Icicles From the Exterior of the Building

Prevent injury on your property from icicles

• Living in New England winters means that dangers not only lay below your feet, but more so frightening as they can come from above your head. It gets that frigid outside that your tenants can see deadly spikes from ice dams just waiting to drop once the sporadic warm fronts during the winter melts them. The most notable warm fronts usually comes just a few weeks into January mid-March near the start of Spring.
• Also, be aware that icicles stuck to the building and high winds can cause a fire. Freezing temperatures can make it easier for a fire to rip through neighboring buildings or units within your property lines, making it harder for those blazes to be stopped by the fire department as the harsh winds can spread the fire from building to building, and unit to unit. 

Final Thoughts?

Winter is the the harshest time of year to be outside, but committed property owners can make it easier for tenants to live comfortably knowing they will have snow removal in the morning.

If you've had similar scenarios as a property manager in Boston and things to look after for the winter, please let us know to add to our snow removal tips for property managers in Boston.

Reflection on the Back Bay Fire Tragedy with an Important Message from the PPS Front Office

You Just Never Know: Fire Safety & Insurance Coverage to Top Your Checklist

Sometimes in our daily routines, we may lack deductive reasoning for possible causes of destruction in our homes. Or It could be natural disaster, totally out of our control from the start of the demolition. The Back Bay area of Boston received just that on Wednesday,  March 26th, with an inferno that blazed its path from the basement through the apex of the brownstone at 298 Beacon Street.

We previously reviewed “what-if” scenarios in our previous article Need For Fire Safety listed on the Premier Property Solutions blog, and where to start for fire prevention awareness. The causes for the fire in the Back Bay are still being investigated by authorities, but the what-if’s that became into a reality in this case also stem from that day's high winds  and the burnt building without a sprinkler system. According to the Boston Globe report, the attorney for the executor of the estate that owns the building stated the building was in good repair. But apparently, the building was old in its age and type that it did not require to have a sprinkler system installed.

When it comes to fires, always make sure you are covered and know the terms of your  insurance policy for your property if you are a tenant or owner of the building.  If you survive the ordeal, it is a privilege to be able to see your belongings again after a fire occurs. Please refer to our article Condo Insurance Explained

Premier Property Solutions Fire Prevention Message Alert

Make sure to review the Boston Fire Department's fire prevention safety guide, and the Premier Property Solutions Home Safety Checklist. Here is a message from the Premier Property Solutions front office management in light of the recent tragedy:

Dear Residents,

The fire that occurred at 298 Beacon Street which resulted in the loss of life for two firefighters is a tragic reminder of the importance of fire safety and fire prevention.

Fire prevention is a serious matter that affects all of us. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire; sometimes planning ahead is your best defense.

Premier Property Solutions urges you to review the attached Fire Prevention Handout and Home Safety Checklist with your family or roommates.

• Boston Fire Department Safety Information here
• Premier Property Solutions Home Safety Checklist here
• Change the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors twice a year.
• Never take a building alarm for granted - always assume there is a real fire and exit immediately.
• In the event of a life threatening emergency Call 9-1-1 first, then management.
• For additional information please contact your local Fire Department.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact your building manager to discuss available fire prevention resources. Premier Property Solutions contracts with numerous fire code engineers and life safety professionals throughout the Greater Boston Area.

Thank you for allowing Premier Property Solutions to continue to serve your community.

Laura M. Cardoos

Vice President | Premier Property Solutions, LLC

Premier Property Solutions Online Resources

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8 Alarm Fire on Summer St. in Boston & Important Fire Safety Info

Eight-alarm Fire Sweeps Through South Boston Building on Summer Street

Earlier this morning there was an Eight-Alarm fire that ran through a South Boston commercial building undergoing renovation, just next door to Premier Property Solution's offices on Summer Street. According to Boston.com, "The fire caused an estimated $2 million in damage, and more than 150 firefighters battled the blaze."

Important Fire Safety Information for Boston Residents

To help prevent future disasters like this, Premier Property Solutions wants to use this opportunity to remind everyone of some important fire safety tips.

• For properties who allow Christmas trees/wreaths/etc., always keep them hydrated and away from heating elements.  Use timers or manual switches to turn off decorative lighting when you are not at home.
• Keep hallways, stairwells and common areas clear of debris. This includes doormats in hallways and potted plants on fire escapes as they are a tripping hazard in the event of evacuation.
• If they are allowed in your property, take extra care with cigarettes, candles, space heaters, heated blankets, traveling appliances (hot plates, etc.). Limit your use of power strips and surge protectors.
• Smoking is prohibited in elevators, common areas, and on roofs. Roof membranes are particularly flammable.
• Fire places, chimneys and flues must be inspected and swept prior to use. Contact your Property Manager to ensure the fireplace is in safe working condition.
• Fire Escape and Fire Balcony certification is required every 5 years by a MA Registered Profession Engineer.

The State and City of Boston's Fire Code:

• Prohibits the use of charcoal grills on or within a building.
• Prohibits the use or storage of liquefied petroleum gas containers used for barbecue cooking inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation.
• Cooking and grilling are prohibited on the roof, fire escapes, alleys, and common areas.

Final Recommendations for Fire Alarms & Evacuation Procedures

FIRE ALARMS

1. Learn where fire alarm stations and pull boxes are located.
2. Should you detect a fire, sound the building's fire alarm, evacuate the building, and then call 911 from a phone at another location.
3. Whenever a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately using the nearest available exit.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

1. Learn your two nearest exits including fire escapes.
2. When an alarm sounds, dress quickly (for the weather).
3. Before opening your room door, feel it for warmth. If it is hot to the touch do not open it. If not, open the door very slowly.
4. When you leave your room, CLOSE THE DOOR BEHIND YOU.
5. If smoke is present, crawl out low to the floor.
6. Without hindering your own evacuation and on your way out of the building, warn as many of your fellow residents as possible by knocking on doors and shouting.
7. Once outside, stand clear of the building well away from all entrances.
8. Do not reenter the building until specifically instructed to do so by a Fire Department official.
9. If conditions prevent you from leaving your room:
   
• Find the nearest fire escape and see if that route is accessible.
• If not, prevent fumes and smoke from entering your room by blocking all openings (with wet towels, if possible).
• Call 911 and alert telephone operator of your location.
• If smoke is in your room, stay close to the window holding a towel (wet, if possible) to your face.
• Do not break or open windows unless necessary - this source of oxygen may fuel a fire or create a draft that will allow more smoke or fumes to enter your room.
• To alert rescue personnel hang a white towel or other brightly- colored cloth out of your window.

Read this blog for more fire safety tips and don't forget to subscribe, follow us on Twitter @MAcondoMGMT and “like” us on our Facebook page Facebook.com/MAcondoMGMT for more information about property management & maintenance in Massachusetts.