Douglas Pochini: Should he possess a real estate broker's license?

Holding a real estate broker's license in the state of Massachusetts imposes a certain responsibility.  254 CMR 3.00: Professional Standards of Practice - 14 (f) states clearly that a broker shall comply with all the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

But Douglas Pochini, a real estate broker who is based out of Gardner, Massachusetts (Pochini Realty), has not always complied with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  While serving as Property Manager for Kaliko Estates, LLC, a company which owns and operates Kaliko Estates townhouses of 350 Riverbend Street in Athol, Massachusetts, this real estate broker billed tenants for water and sewer services without meeting the requirements of Massachusetts law as set forth in M.G.L., c. 186, Section 22 and 105 CMR 410.354 (D).

As a result, the Athol Board of Health charged Kaliko Estates, LLC with violations of state law and the state sanitary code.  When some tenants filed a complaint with the Consumer Complaint Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Mr. Pochini told that office that he would not return the monies obtained illegally to the tenants.  And when these same tenants filed suit in Orange District Court, Mr. Pochini waited until the day of the hearing and only then (faced with the prospect of standing before a District Court Judge) agreed during mediation to return the monies - and, in a glaring example of how dishonest he is, before returning the monies this charlatan had the audacity to claim that the tenants "had a verbal agreement to pay for water/sewer."  He was implying, therefore, that such an agreement was brokered through real estate agent Stephanie Pandiscio of Foster Healey Real Estate.  I wonder if Ms. Pandiscio or Foster Healey would appreciate that fact?

Because certain tenants have asserted their rights under Massachusetts law and have recaptured monies illicitly obtained by Kaliko Estates, LLC for water and sewer services, Mr. Douglas Pochini has served them with a Notice to Quit.

Mr. Pochini isn't big on following Massachusetts laws or regulations, not to mention the state sanitary code.  Which is why he has not complied with 527 CMR 31.06 which states clearly that: "Every owner, superintendent, or landlord shall, at a minimum, maintain, test, repair, or replace, if necessary, every carbon monoxide alarm upon renewal of any lease term for any dwelling unit or on an annual basis, whichever is more frequent.  All common areas shall be inspected annually.  All carbon monoxide alarm batteries shall be replaced, on an annual basis by the owner, landlord or superintendent."

If you are looking to purchase a home in North Central Massachusetts, I would advise against using Mr. Douglas Pochini or his agency Pochini Realty for your search.  I would also advise not to purchase or rent a townhouse from Kaliko Estates, LLC of 32 Sandy Pine Road in Templeton, Massachusetts.

The question must be asked: Should Mr. Douglas Pochini be in possession of a real estate broker's license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?....More to come.