Deceptive advertising for Services

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Janelle2424

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My jurisdiction is: Massachusetts

I am from Massachusetts and have a question regarding consumer protection. I live in an apartment house where every year the management company hires a company to wash the windows of the building. The management also sends a notice to all residents stating that ALL windows MUST be removed in order for the windows to be washed - if not the windows will not be cleaned and an approtunity to do so will not arise until next year. The management also offers a service to remove the screens at $15/window. I should mention that I live in a building that has over 600 hundred windows so this services yields a large profit.

I called the window washing company to inquire whether the screens truly needed to be removed. The washing company said if your screens are slidable (which mine are) they will slide the screen over (at no extra charge)and clean the window. When I asked about my specific apartment building, the washing company said they were told that all windows must be removed by the management company.

I have brought this to the attention of the management but have gotten the run around. First I was told that this was the way the washing company conducted their business. When I had told them what I had learned from the window washing company, they said they would look into it. When I contacted them again, I was told because I am not a renter I can not make a direct complaint and that all inquiries I may have must be brought by my landlord.

My question is, since the way the service is being offered is misleading and deceptive (i.e., stating that your windowns MUST be removed or else not cleaned), is this illegal? Would this be actionable under 93A ch 2?

Thanks
 
I don't think there are any Massachusetts consumer protection lawyers on here. My two cents: yeah, maybe - it sounds like it could qualfify as a "deceptive act or practice in the conduct of any trade or commerce". What then? I'm not sure what action arises from this breach of the statute.
 
I don't know about action - if you send a letter to the management about reporting them to the department of housing, these guys usually clam up and are happy to give you a free wash. Best bet is to speak to the dept. of housing since they will have all the information you need about the remedy you seek.
 
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