BRANDA PEEBLES & Another v. JRK PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC., & others. (2025)

Citation: BRANDA PEEBLES & Another v. JRK PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC., & others. (2025)
Parent Document: BRANDA PEEBLES & Another v. JRK PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC., & others. (2025)
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts (state)
Effective Date: 2025-08-01
Original Source: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10646213/branda-peebles-another-v-jrk-p... ↗

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Conclusion.  Our answer to the first certified question is that a tenant's reasonable use of a property as a residence is expected to result in gradual deterioration that ultimately may require "painting, carpet repair or similar refurbishment" at the end of the lease, and security deposit deductions for repairs of such reasonable wear and tear violate G. L. c. 186, § 15B (4).  Whether damage to a particular property is "reasonable wear and tear" within the meaning of G. L. c. 186, § 15B (4) (iii), is a fact-specific question depending on all the circumstances, including but not limited to the nature and cause of the damage, the deterioration to be expected as a result of reasonable use during the tenant's or tenants' occupancy under the terms of the lease, the condition of the property at the start of the lease, and the length of the occupancy.

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