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SPOA Housing Policy, Episode 13 – The Security Deposit Trap

When property owners accept security deposits from tenants in many cases, they are unaware of the strict requirements for maintaining these deposits. Although security deposits were once intended to protect the owner’s property from damage caused by tenants, the focus shifted to protecting the tenant’s deposit, which eventually took an extreme turn for the worse in Massachusetts.

The conversation centers on Ms. Taneka Davis, who was forced to launch an eviction when her tenant refused to vacate the property after Taneka provided reasonable notice of termination with the intent to sell. Due to the complicated system, Taneka hired Attorney Jordana Greenman two months later to reissue the notice using the proper language. In this particular case, Taneka had to regain possession of the property in order to sell at a reasonable price. But Taneka’s honest misunderstanding of security deposit requirements allowed the tenant to delay the eviction process significantly, as Taneka was forbidden to remedy the situation after the eviction began.

Attorney Greenman, whom Taneka retained thereafter, outlines the complexities of security deposit regulations in Massachusetts to help property owners avoid the security deposit trap, which is weaponized against housing providers.

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion.

For more information about security deposit rules in Massachusetts, you can refer to the following website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-tenants-security-deposits It is best to consult with an attorney before accepting a security deposit.

BRJE Presents: Racial Justice & The Courts – Legal Challenges & Strategies for the Next Four Years

In just the first week of the second Trump administration, a series of executive orders have targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, threatening to undermine hard-won progress on civil rights and racial justice. These swift actions highlight the urgent need for legal and advocacy strategies to protect vulnerable communities and preserve foundational principles of equity.

Join us as we explore the critical role of legal advocacy organizations in shaping the fight for racial justice over the next four years. Our discussion will focus on critical challenges and strategies for combating systemic racism, protecting civil rights, and advancing equity in an era of policy rollbacks.

This event will empower you with an understanding of the stakes, the obstacles, and the pathways forward in the ongoing fight for racial justice. Produced by Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity (BRJE) with support from Brookline Interactive Group.
Find more resources at BRJE.org.

MODERATOR
Jonathan Feingold
Associate Professor
Boston University School of Law

PANELISTS

Traci Griffith
Director, Racial Justice Program
ACLU Massachusetts (ACLU MA)

Jessica Chicco
Director, New Americans Initiatives
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)

Virginia Benzan
Director, Racial Justice Advocacy
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI)

Rahsaan Hall
President & CEO
Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts

Erika Richmond Walton
Litigation Fellow
Lawyers for Civil Rights

TV on TV – Toby Sillman

Representative Tommy Vitolo talks with Toby Sillman, a Brookline High School senior and sustainability advocate. They discuss a short film (shown in this episode) that Toby produced in collaboration with Brookline Interactive Group and the School Committee Climate Sustainability Task Force, in order to highlight the people already creating a more sustainable Brookline. Toby gives some updates on the Task Force’s efforts since he produced the short, and details his plans for advocacy after high school.

Welcome to Puppet Showplace Cinema

Brookline Interactive Group is collaborating with Gateway Arts and Puppet Showplace Theater in a program called Puppet Showplace Cinema! Over the coming weeks, eight Gateway Arts artists will be bringing their puppets, with thanks to Puppet Showplace Theater, to life on the BIG screen!