Landlord responsibility (Boston: apartment, rental, Home Depot)

[AN2010]

We just moved to Boston, MA and was wondering about landlord responsibilities.
1. Shouldn't the landlord provide light bulbs for all the fixtures in the apartment at the time of moving in? We were given only a few.
2. If there is an imperfection in the apartment that we do not like (nothing that can lead to structural damage, but disgusting looking), can a landlord say we should just buy a piece of furniture to cover it?
3. Is the landlord legally supposed to paint the place before new tenant moves in?
4. Should the apartment not be professionally cleaned before given to a new tenant? If the apartment is smelly and certain parts of the apartment are not clean at the time of moving in what should we be doing?

[capecodcathy]

1. No.
2. Yes.
3. No.
4. No.
A rental is "as is" unless there is a danger to the tenant. I'm assuming you looked at the place before you rented it. If there is a lease, refer to that to determine what the tenant/landlord responsibilities are.

[cwaggy]

Just take pictures and keep them so in case this sleazebag says you trashed the place, you have proof otherwise. But a blister pak or CF lights at Home Depot and take them with u when you move on. Good luck with this scruffer.

[AN2010]

Thanks guys!

[capecodcathy]

Taking the lightbulbs when moving is very common, which is why many landlords do not provide them.