Benazzi v. Arroyo

This is an appeal from a judgment in a summary process action following a bench trial. The court found for the defendants (“tenants”) for possession and also awarded damages on counterclaims for violation of the security deposit laws and for retaliation involving lead paint. The plaintiff (“landlord”) appeals only from the awards of damages for retaliation involving lead paint under G.L.c. Ill, §199A, and G.L.c. 239, §8A. The landlord has not appealed from the finding for possession for the tenants or the award of damages to the tenants for the security deposit violation.

Facts. Based upon the…