Downing Van Dyke

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Downing Van Dyke

Advice. Advocacy. Results. We Are New England’s Premier Landlord Tenant Law Firm

05/29/2026

Top Five Mistakes Landlords Make: Number 3 in Our Video Series 🎥 Reasonable Accommodation Requests

One of the most common mistakes we see landlords make is mishandling reasonable accommodation requests.

The problem usually falls into one of two categories:
• Failing to recognize that a tenant is making a reasonable accommodation request
• Failing to respond in a timely manner

Whether you think you’re in the fair housing business or not, you are in the fair housing business. Understanding your obligations and responding appropriately can help you avoid costly disputes and potential fair housing violations.

Have questions? Visit our website at the link in our bio or call 617-720-3535 today.

RentalProperty RealEstateInvesting LandlordMistakes

05/22/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who served our country with courage and dedication.

At Downing Van D**e, we are grateful for the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day — including the ability to build communities, homes, and businesses across New England.

We wish our clients, housing providers, property managers, and community partners a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/13/2026

Top 5 Mistakes Landlords Make in Massachusetts: Mistake #4 🎥

One of the most common mistakes we see landlords make is including pet rent, utility fees, late fees, or other charges in a non-payment notice to quit.

In Massachusetts, these types of charges are generally not treated the same as base rent, and including them in a notice can create major legal issues once the case reaches court.

Follow along as we continue our Top 5 Landlord Mistakes series with more practical legal insights for Massachusetts landlords.

05/06/2026

We’re looking forward to connecting with industry professionals tomorrow at at the Hynes Convention Center!

Stop by booth 613 and meet the team from Downing Van D**e — proudly serving as New England’s Premier Landlord Tenant Law Firm for 35 years.

Looking forward to a great day of networking, education, and industry insight.

05/05/2026

Massachusetts landlords, this is one to think carefully about. Security deposits sound like protection… but in reality, they often create more risk than they prevent.

In our experience, they rarely stop tenant damage. What they do create is strict legal exposure. Under Massachusetts law, even a small mistake in how you collect, hold, or return a deposit can lead to triple damages plus attorney’s fees.

That is a serious liability tied to just one month’s rent that you are likely returning anyway.

We also see security deposits come up in a large percentage of contested landlord-tenant cases.

Before you assume a deposit is protecting you, it is worth understanding the downside.

Take a look at the video to see why this is something every Massachusetts landlord should reconsider. Have questions? Visit our website at the link in our bio or call 617-720-3535 today.

05/05/2026

New series dropping 🎥

If you’re a landlord, this is one you’ll want to follow.

Over the next few videos, we’re breaking down the top five mistakes landlords make in their day-to-day operations. These are the same issues that consistently lead to headaches, lost money, and legal trouble.

We’re keeping it simple, practical, and straight to the point so you can avoid them before they become a problem.

Stay tuned for mistake #1 👀

04/29/2026

DVD is excited to be a sponsor at the NEAHMA maintenance conference!

03/30/2026

Another major shift is unfolding in the property management landscape for 2026. Learn what’s happening with HUD’s proposed rollback of the 30-day notice requirement for non-payment of rent in subsidized housing.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄:
The rollback is NOT in effect yet.
You are still required to provide a 30-day Notice to Quit for HUD-assisted housing.

HUD’s proposal is currently in the public comment phase through April 27, 2026, and changes may be coming soon.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀:
Do not switch to shorter notice periods yet

Continue following the 30-day requirement

Acting too early could create compliance issues and delay evictions

This is a critical moment where staying informed matters. Missteps here can cost time, money, and legal exposure.

Have questions? We're here to help. Call 617-720-3535 or visit DowningVanD**e.com to reach out to us today.

Follow Downing Van D**e for ongoing updates as we track these changes closely for New England housing providers.

03/24/2026

Fees, fees, fees… and a growing legal risk.

If you’re a property manager or landlord in Massachusetts, the way you’re currently charging fees could expose you to lawsuits, even if your lease says it’s allowed.

Courts are taking a closer look. Lawmakers are stepping in. And the media is paying attention.

Key takeaway: Do NOT charge or post attorney’s fees to tenant ledgers until after a court judgment.

Watch this breakdown from James Van D**e of Downing Van D**e to understand what’s changing and how to protect yourself.

Have questions about your policies? Reach out to our team. Call 617-720-3535 or visit www.DowningVanD**e.com to learn more and contact us today.

03/11/2026

🏒 Great night with the property management community at the IREM Boston Bruins Night! 🏒

The Downing Van D**e team had a fantastic time connecting with so many clients, colleagues, and friends in the industry. Events like this are always a great reminder of how strong the Boston property management community is.

We hope everyone stopped by to grab a DVD/Bruins hat while they lasted.

A big thank you to the hardworking IREM staff and volunteers who make these events possible.

And the perfect ending — Bruins win in overtime! 🚨

Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.

02/02/2026

Always a good day when your partner is on the MCLE faculty list.

Proud to have Downing Van D**e partner Mike Louis teaching for MCLE New England on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Legal & Practical Concerns After a Tenant’s Death.

This is a difficult and often emotional subject, and one where thoughtful, practical legal guidance really matters. We’re proud to see the real-world experience of Downing Van D**e shared with the broader legal community.

👉 Learn more or register:
https://www.mcle.org/product/catalog/code/2260176WBC

Downing Van D**e—trusted experience, in practice and in the classroom.
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5 Commonwealth Road, Suite 2A
Natick, MA
01760

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+16177203535

Website

https://downingvandyke.com/

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