Rehab Leads to $16,000 Fine Against Landlord

landlord helpA landlord in the Boston area has agreed to pay $16,000 in fines to The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for violating that state’s asbestos regulations.

In return, MassDEP agreed to suspend the remaining $13,000 in fines levied against him.

The violations were discovered during a MassDEP investigation into alleged illegal asbestos thermal insulation removal activities at a two-family rental property.

After a site investigation, MassDEP determined that the landlord had removed asbestos thermal insulation from the basement of the property and placed the asbestos into trash bags. He then placed the trash bags into trash cans and loaded them into his truck.

During these activities, the landlord failed to employ the proper asbestos-handling, notification and disposal procedures. Remnant asbestos insulation remained in the basement and on the ground outside of the building.

Under the terms of the agreement, the remaining fine will be suspended provided the landlord remains in compliance with the state’s asbestos regulations for a period of one year.

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