How long does a landlord have to fix a heating boiler ? Its already november and we have no heat

A boiler should be fixed in a matter of hours or days. It is not sufficient for the landlord to provide space heaters. I suggest that you contact an attorney to discuss your options, which could include withholding rent until the repairs are made. You may want to consider calling Lowell's inspectional services to have an inspector order the landlord to make the repairs. You can find them at http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/inspectional-services. Given how cold it is, you definitely should not accept the landlord's excuses.

I agree completely with the previous answer. Heat is a necessity that you can't live without now that it is winter. Had this been summer and it didn't matter, then the landlord could probably buy some time, however since that is not the case you should talk to an attorney or as the previous attorney mentioned contact the inspectional services in Lowell.

He needed to fix it already. If you haven't paid rent, there is a process by which you can fix it yourself and withhold rent. Otherwise, a failure to provide heat can give you three months' rent in damages, so the landlord needs to get on it. Call a local attorney.

That is not appropriate. If your landlord is not going to work with you, you should make sure that you have documented the problem, and then either (1) withhold rent until the boiler is fixed, or (2) use your rent money to fix the boiler and send your landlord documentation.