Stipulation for Rent, Repairs, and Review – Massachusetts Courts

This form, titled “Stipulation for Rent, Repairs, and Review,” is used in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Housing Court Department. It is a legal agreement between a landlord (plaintiff) and a tenant (defendant) regarding the payment of rent, necessary repairs to the rental property, and subsequent court reviews. Once signed by both parties and approved by a judge, this stipulation becomes a court order that both parties are legally required to follow.

By signing this agreement, both parties waive their right to a hearing before a judge, choosing instead to settle the matter according to the terms outlined in the stipulation. If any issues arise, parties are advised to consult the Housing Specialist.

Filling out this form correctly is essential for ensuring that both parties adhere to the agreed-upon terms. Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete the form:

1. Header Information
   • County and Housing Court Division
     • Select the appropriate county and housing court division where the case is being heard.
   • Case Number
     • Enter the case number assigned by the court.
2. Parties Involved
   • Plaintiff/Landlord and Defendant/Tenant:
     • Write the full names of the landlord (plaintiff) and tenant (defendant).
3. Rent Payment Agreement
   • Tenant Owes
     • Fill in the amount of rent the tenant owes and the due date(s) for each payment period.
   • Payment Details
     • Specify the start and end dates for each rent period and to whom the rent should be paid.
4. Landlord’s Repair Obligations
   • List of Repairs
     • Clearly list all repairs the landlord agrees to make. Be specific about the nature of the repairs and the expected completion dates.
   • Repair Schedule
     • Indicate the dates by which each repair must be completed.
5. Housing Specialist Inspection
   • Inspection Date and Time
     • Provide the date and time when the Housing Specialist will inspect the premises.
   • Reporting
     • Choose whether the report will be given orally or in writing and specify the reporting date and time.
6. Court Appearance for Review
   • Appearance Date and Time
     • Schedule the next court date for review or trial, providing the exact date and time.
7. Additional Agreements
   • Further Agreements
     • Use the space provided to include any additional terms or agreements between the landlord and tenant.
8. Signatures
   • Signatures and Dates
     • Ensure that the landlord, tenant, their respective attorneys, the Housing Specialist, and the judge sign and date the form.
   • Attorney Names
     • Enter the names of the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys.
   • Housing Specialist and Judge
     • Include the names of the Housing Specialist and the judge who will be involved in the case.
9. Distribution:
   • Copies Given or Mailed
     • Indicate whether copies of the signed agreement were given or mailed to the parties and the date this was done.

Important Notes

• Consult the Housing Specialist: If you have any questions while filling out the form, consult the Housing Specialist for assistance.
• Legal Binding: Once signed and approved by the judge, this agreement becomes a court order, and both parties are legally required to follow it.
• Waiver of Hearing: By signing this agreement, both parties waive their right to a hearing before a judge and agree to settle the matter as per the stipulated terms.

By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that the Stipulation for Rent, Repairs, and Review form is filled out accurately and completely.