Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Princeton Properties has charged Massachusetts tenants standardized $100 key fees that may exceed the actual cost of the keys and locks provided to tenants.
Rental information for multiple Princeton Properties communities in Massachusetts identifies a mandatory $100 key charge associated with move-in. The same $100 charge has appeared across geographically separate Princeton communities, including properties in Lawrence, Worcester, Westford, Wilmington, and the Lowell area.
Massachusetts law generally permits landlords to charge incoming tenants only the actual purchase and installation cost of a key and lock, rather than using key or lock charges as additional move-in fees.
Migliaccio & Rathod is investigating whether Princeton Properties routinely charged tenants a standardized $100 key fee, what keys or locks tenants actually received, and whether the amount charged reflected Princeton’s actual cost.
Renters May Have Experienced:
- Being charged approximately $100 for keys when moving into a Princeton Properties apartment;
- Seeing the charge described as a “Key Charge,” key fee, or similar move-in charge;
- Being required to pay the fee before receiving possession of the apartment;
- Paying the same standardized amount as other tenants;
- Receiving ordinary apartment keys despite paying the $100 charge; or
- Not receiving an explanation of the costs making up the fee.
Potential Claims May Include:
- Charging more than the actual permitted cost of keys and locks;
- Improper mandatory move-in fees;
- Unfair or deceptive trade practices;
- Unjust enrichment; and
- Violations of Massachusetts landlord-tenant and consumer-protection laws.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You rented a Massachusetts apartment managed by Princeton Properties;
- You were charged approximately $100 for keys or locks;
- The charge was mandatory at move-in;
- You received standard keys or locks in exchange for the fee;
- You were not told how the $100 amount reflected the actual cost; or
- Your lease, ledger, receipt, or move-in documents show the charge.
If you have encountered these issues, we would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call.