massachusetts tenant rights?

Question

I actually have a couple of questions.
1) The house I live in has been put up for sale. (It is a 3 family home) What are my rights when the house is bought? How much notice do the new owners have to give us before they either a)evict us or b) raise our rent?
2) Does the current owner or realtor have the right to show the apartment when we are not home? I have pets, so this is important to me.
3) When we moved in, we were granted storage space in the basement and for the past couple of months, the landlord has had a padlock on the basement door and won't give us a key. Can she do that?
Thanks in advance for your help

Answer 1

1. If you have a lease, the new owner must honor it. If you are month-to-month they must give you at least 30 days notice to move or raise the rent.

2. Yes, however they must give you at least 24 hours notice of their intent to show the property. You must allow it at reasonable hours. In your case, reasonable may be while you're home.

3. No, the landlord may not deny you access to any space that you have been granted use of. Tell the landlord to either provide a key for the padlock or you will cut it off to gain access to your storage space.

Answer 2

As long as you are paying your rent the new owners can not give you the boot without 90 days notice. They can also raise your rent with the same amount of notice. If you have a lease it should be honored by the new owner but not always the case.
The current owner/ Realtor does not have the right to show the apartment without your permission. You should however make it available for prospective buyers to see. Tell the current owner to give at least 24 hours notice for you to make arrangements for your pets.
The landlord cannot keep you from your property unless you have not payed your rent and then in some states they do have that entitlement. If you are paying your rent demand that you be given access to your property and if access is further denied call local law enforcement.
Good luck to you.