BOSTON — As a result of the Columbia Gas explosions, which took place in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley in September, state Attorney General Maura Healey has released guidelines on the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords affected by the accident.
“Nearly two months after the Columbia Gas explosions, thousands of homes in the Merrimack Valley still have no heat or hot water,” Healey said in a statement. “My office is issuing this guidance to ensure that both tenants and landlords are able to make the appropriate claims from Columbia Gas and do not suffer financial losses.”
The guidelines include an outline of state law relating to tenants and landlords in the wake of the accident, such as requiring landlords to provide heating and hot water, tenants right to withhold rent as well as procedures for landlords and tenants to file claims with Columbia Gas.
The Attorney General's Office said it is monitoring and requesting information on a regular basis from Columbia Gas regarding its plans for gas restoration and compensation.