The primary focus of the firm is the representation of property owners and managers of both affordable and market housing. This representation includes all facets of their operations, ranging from day-to-day legal and procedural issues to preparation and review of lease documents, compliance issues, non-payment and “for cause” evictions, and contract disputes. The members of the firm are also well-versed in regulations relating to affordable housing as well as various subsidy programs including tax credits, project-based housing, and 40B. As counsel to several of the largest Housing Authorities in Massachusetts, we have significant understanding and experience with all aspects of affordable housing. The firm has a reputation for aggressively handling eviction actions for clients, including not only non-payment of rent actions, but also those relating to drugs and other illegal conduct, as well as nuisance actions and complex material lease violation cases. The firm’s experience in this area also allows attorneys to proceed in an efficient manner, therefore ensuring lower legal charges and superior results. Members of the firm have earned an unsurpassed reputation in the Housing Courts throughout the Commonwealth, as well as the District and Superior Courts.
The representation of commercial property owner/landlords is a significant focus for the firm. This representation includes the drafting of commercial leases and related tenancy documents, negotiation of lease terms, general legal advice, collection actions, and actions to recover possession. The firm is known for its aggressive and practical approach to these matters and has achieved significant success on behalf of its clients. Many of the firm’s clients include owners of shopping malls, commercial office buildings, retail space, and office buildings. The firm is also involved in cases seeking to collect unpaid rents from guarantors and former tenants subsequent to their occupancy and has successfully recovered significant sums for these clients.
The firm maintains a substantial focus on the representation of Housing Authorities throughout the Commonwealth. This includes both compliance issues as well as representation in project based housing developments. While the firm is able to provide both general legal assistance to these clients, the firm has achieved significant benefits for these housing authorities both in relation to the reduction in their accounts receivables as well as in the reduction of criminal activities and disturbances on these properties. Members of the firm are also active in the Housing Development Law Institutes, and have lectured both locally and nationally on issues confronting Housing Authorities.
