Massachusetts Renter’s Security Deposit Law

As a landlord, what am I allowed to do with a renter’s security deposit before they need it back? Am I able to reinvest it into my property? In a word—no. In two words, ABSOLUTELY NOT. Massachusetts tenancy laws are very favorable to residential tenants. This is understandable, as such tenants have their home to lose, but it can lead to frustrating situations when a tenant is uncooperative, remiss in paying rent, or blatantly disrespectful to the property and its furnishings. The law in Massachusetts allows landlords to collect ONLY ONE MONTH security deposit and the last month’s rent. You cannot collect more in any way directly or indirectly. They cannot prepay rent either. These monies must be kept in a separate, interest-bearing account, with all the relevant details of the bank and the account provided to the tenant within thirty days of move-in. We usually put that language right

Conservators, guardianship, and durable powers of attorney

Conservators, guardianship, and durable powers of attorney – what are the differences, which ones do I need, and why should I care? Each of these tools allows a person to make decisions for another individual whom may or may not be able to make decisions for themselves. Conservator A conservator is a person appointed by a Court to control the financial and personal affairs of an adult who can not adequately do so for themselves. An adult may voluntarily allow someone to act as conservator. In the alternative, a conservator may be appointed by the court if an incapacitated adult cannot or refuses to agree. The court may designate a relative or friend to act as conservator, but in cases of family strife or in the absence of a suitable person, a disinterested party like an attorney or social worker may be appointed. Guardian In some jurisdictions, conservators are called

Why Seniors Should Have a Geriatric Physician

Posted by Gerald J. Turner – We all have all encountered someone who doesn’t enjoy going to the doctor. Or even worse: someone who flat out refuses to go! Logic suggests that an important way for senior citizens to ensure that they are in good health and live a long time is for them to see a doctor. Unfortunately, many elder Americans can be a bit stubborn and do not wish to visit doctors. Sometimes it’s because they are afraid of bad news, or they don’t want a doctor to tell them they’ll need to give up their vices like sweets or smoking. But in the end, all the stubbornness and grumbling in the world doesn’t do anybody any good. Everyone gets older, and it only makes sense to accept this fact and move forward with as much common sense and education as possible. While it is a good decision for a

What seniors should know about eyesight and aging

Posted by Gerald J. Turner – As we grow older, our eyesight is one of the things that begins to change. While the majority of the time a senior citizen’s eyesight will never diminish to the point where they cannot function properly, you should be prepared for any vision related problems that you experience as a senior and learn how to confront them. Ophthalmologists agree that the age of 60 is when significant vision related problems generally decide to show up. The bad news is that many of these eye issues do not present any warning signs. The good news? Most are treatable. Below are a few common age-related eye and vision problems and how to treat them. Cataracts are a relatively common vision problem among senior citizens, and present as cloudy areas in the lens of one or both eyes. Blurry vision usually follows, as does a decreased sensitivity

My Dad turns 80 next month and his driver’s license is up for renewal.

MyOur family is hoping the RMV doesn’t renew my 80 year old father’s drivers license because we think his driving is dangerous, but he insists on driving. What can we do? In the United States, getting one’s driver’s license is a rite of passage. Access to a car or other vehicle allows great freedom and independence: to go where we wish, do what we wish, and do it on our own schedules. Understandably, when we, or our elderly dependents, are told we can no longer drive, there will be a good deal of resistance and a tough pill to swallow. In Massachusetts, there is not an age at which a driver’s license is automatically revoked. However, beginning at age seventy-five, drivers must renew their license in-person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles [RMV] rather than online. At the RMV, such a driver will have to undergo a vision test, or

Trusted Legal Resources

Massachusetts Renter’s Security Deposit Law

Conservators, guardianship, and durable powers of attorney

Why Seniors Should Have a Geriatric Physician

What seniors should know about eyesight and aging

My Dad turns 80 next month and his driver’s license is up for renewal.

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© 2025 by Orsi Arone Rothenberg Turner, LLP. All rights reserved.

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Trusted Legal Resources

Massachusetts Renter’s Security Deposit Law

Conservators, guardianship, and durable powers of attorney

Why Seniors Should Have a Geriatric Physician

What seniors should know about eyesight and aging

My Dad turns 80 next month and his driver’s license is up for renewal.

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How Can We Help?

© 2025 by Orsi Arone Rothenberg Turner, LLP. All rights reserved.

Attorney Marketing by Bardorf Legal Marketing

Have A Question?