I think I'm living in an illegal apartment and I want to report my landlord?

Mark's

I'm living in an apartment in Massachusetts and I think my apartment is illegal. The apartment is in the landlord's basement, which is partially underground. There is only one real window in the entire house that is very high up. The window is also impossible to get open, leaving me worried about how I would get out of here if there was a fire.

I heard that every time a new resident moves into the apartment that there has to be an inspection. I really doubt there was any inspector that came over to look at the place when the lady before me left. The place was a mess!

I only see one smoke detector and no carbon monoxide detector. The smoke detector doesn't blink either, leaving me to believe that its probably not working. Also, there are electrical wires hanging from the ceiling and parts of the ceiling are caved in and falling down. When I looked at the part of the caved in ceiling it was held together by tape!

I'm leaving in a few months to a new apartment... is there any way I can report this guy? If I were to report him, what would happen to him? Like would he go to jail or would he just get a large fine? Also, is it possible to anonymously to report him? I'd like a lot of detail if possible... thank you!
I was not able to view the apartment before I moved in. Also, I didn't know this apartment was illegal until last week.
I never signed a lease... he never presented one to me! I never signed any documents, only a check for the rent.

Answer
1. Yes, you can report a possible illegal rental.

2. If this is the first report...the landlord will get a warning. Second and subsequent reports have a fine of $500.00.

3. No..the landlord has a right to know who reported him...so anonymously reporting will get you know where.

4. If the apartment is illegal...expect to be given a 3-5 days notice to vacate from the building inspector....since it is illegal for you to be living there.

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