As I understand you do not need to put rent in escrow in MA.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tenant-rights

OP /u/hhh347, I would write to your landlord and let them know that under Mass law you’re legally allowed to use up to four months of rent payments to make reasonable repairs and that you intend to due so if they don’t respond within 5 days and that you’ve contacted the Board of Health and they’re coming to inspect(even if they aren’t)

Stuff like this is garbage.

Tweet at Michelle Wu, Tweet pics at Universal Hub, tweet pics at Only In Boston. Force their hand.