Massachusetts Rental Health Code Requirements Explained

Every Massachusetts renter deserves a safe and healthy home. State and local laws set minimum housing health codes that your landlord must follow to keep rental units habitable. Understanding your rights—and what remedies you have if those standards are not met—can help protect your health, safety, and tenancy. This article explains how Massachusetts housing health codes work, what to do if problems arise, and where to get support.

What Are the Minimum Housing Health Codes for Rentals?

Massachusetts state law sets out specific health and safety standards that all rental properties must meet. These rules can be found in the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (105 CMR 410)^[1]. Cities and towns may also have their own additional ordinances, but the state code provides the minimum baseline.

Key Requirements Landlords Must Meet

• Safe water supply: Hot and cold running water and functioning plumbing systems
• Working heat: Adequate heating facilities during the required months (September 15 to June 15)
• Structural soundness: Roofs, walls, floors free from serious leaks and hazards
• Pest and mold control: No severe rodent infestation or visible mold, and proper trash storage
• Secure windows & exits: All have functioning locks and can open for emergency escape
• Functional kitchen & bathroom: Facilities in good repair and sanitary condition
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

For a full list, see the Massachusetts Official Tenants' Rights Guide.

What Happens If Housing Health Codes Aren't Met?

If your landlord is not providing essential repairs or if your apartment is unsafe or unsanitary, state law gives you protections and steps you can take.

How To Report a Health and Safety Violation

• First, notify your landlord in writing of the problem and request a timely repair.
• If no action is taken, you may file a complaint with your city or town's local Board of Health.
• The Board of Health is responsible for inspecting rental units, enforcing the State Sanitary Code, and ordering landlords to make repairs.

For contact details, search for your local Massachusetts Board of Health or visit your city or town website.

Official Forms for Reporting Problems

• Board of Health Inspection Request (no official form #)
  When to use: File when you need a formal inspection due to code violations or health hazards.
  How it works: Submit your request to your local Board of Health, usually by phone, in person, or by downloading a city-specific form. Example: You discover no heat in winter, contact your landlord, with no result. You then request an inspection so the authorities can require repairs.
  How to file a housing code complaint
• Summary Process Summons and Complaint (Form DC-CV-001)
  When to use: If your landlord tries to evict you in retaliation for reporting a code violation, you may need this form in Housing Court.
  How it works: Used to defend against or challenge an eviction, especially if code retaliation is suspected.
  Summary Process (Eviction) forms and info

Enforcement and Where to Get Help

The main government authority handling rental housing issues, repairs, and disputes in Massachusetts is your Massachusetts Housing Court. For code violations, your local Board of Health is the first point of enforcement. The Housing Court deals with violations, disputes, and retaliation claims under the relevant law.

Relevant Legislation

• Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 127A – Authority to make housing code regulations
• 105 CMR 410: State Sanitary Code – Minimum rental standards
• Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 239 – Summary Process (Eviction) Statutes

These codes protect your right to a rental home that is safe, functional, and up to basic standards.

FAQ: Minimum Housing Health Codes in Massachusetts

1. What do I do if my landlord isn’t making repairs?
   Write to your landlord describing the problem, and if they don’t make repairs, file a complaint with your local Board of Health so they can inspect your unit and order repairs if needed.
2. Can my landlord evict me for reporting code violations?
   No. Massachusetts law protects renters from being evicted in retaliation for making legitimate complaints about health and safety violations.
3. What should I expect during a Board of Health inspection?
   The inspector will look for violations of the State Sanitary Code and may order your landlord to make specific repairs within a deadline.
4. Are there state-wide forms for all housing complaints in Massachusetts?
   Each city or town may have its own inspection request, but housing courts use state-wide forms for eviction proceedings. Always check official sources or your local Board of Health.
5. Where can I find the full list of rental health code rules?
   You can access the official State Sanitary Code via the state website here.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Massachusetts Renters

• Massachusetts sets minimum health and safety rules for all rentals. Local Boards of Health and Housing Court protect renter safety.
• If conditions are unsafe or unhealthy, report issues first to your landlord, then to your local Board of Health if no repairs are made.
• Retaliation for reporting code violations is illegal. Keep records of all correspondence.

Being informed about your rights and the official steps to take helps you maintain safe, compliant housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court – Official Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes
• Official Tenants’ Rights Guide
• Find your local Board of Health
• Low-Income Housing & Legal Aid Resources
• MassLegalHelp – Chapter 239 Eviction Information

---

1. 105 CMR 410: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (State Sanitary Code, Chapter II)
2. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 239: Summary Process for Possession of Land
3. Massachusetts Tenancy and Housing Law Resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations