A Massachusetts Housing Code Checklist for Landlords and Owners
Housing codes are a necessary part of rental property. It just makes sense that there needs to be certain guidelines on whether a home lives up to basic standards. Landlords want to have direction on what is expected of them, and renters want to know that every home has a minimum level of habitability. The thing is, these codes and standards are a little different in each state. What are they in Massachusetts? They are available. But having a Massachusetts Housing Code Checklist would go a long way towards understanding and organizing a long document into something that is useful for everyday use.
There is a lot to juggle when managing property. Property managers in Boston and throughout Massachusetts need to have housing codes relatable to them so they can do their jobs. That’s where a checklist comes into play. Breaking down all the various expectations into a general list and a room-by-room list helps people do their jobs. Let’s dive into an overview of what the Massachusetts housing codes cover and provide a sample checklist that can be used for these purposes.
Table of Contents
- An Overview of Massachusetts Housing Codes
- Example of a Massachusetts Housing Code Checklist
- How Property Management Could Help
An Overview of Massachusetts Housing Codes
The Massachusetts Housing Code, otherwise known as 105 CMR 410.000: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation, sets up certain criteria so that the health and safety of residents are taken into account for homes and houses. The regulations apply to all residential properties, whether owner-occupied or rented. They outline the minimum requirements for various aspects of housing… structural integrity, sanitation, those sorts of things.
Some of the main provisions of it establish the actual requirements that we are talking about… for example, every home needs to have functional kitchen facilities. Some things like a sink and space for a refrigerator are required and some things leave room for it to say otherwise or differently in the lease, such as a stove and oven. Bathroom facilities need to include a toilet, sink, and either a bathtub or shower. The code also specifies requirements for heating systems, ventilation, lighting, and electrical services. And all of these mention the fact that they need to be in working order or functional.
The code also assigns specific responsibilities to both landlords and tenants. Landlords are obligated to maintain the structural elements of the building, make sure that all provided facilities are in good working condition, and address any issues that may pose a threat to people’s health or safety.
Tenants are responsible for maintaining cleanliness, properly disposing of waste, and using facilities appropriately to prevent damage. In cases where violations occur, the code outlines enforcement procedures, including inspections, orders for correction, and potential penalties to ensure compliance and protect residents’ rights.
Example of a Massachusetts Housing Code Checklist
What many would appreciate is an example. A sample Massachusetts housing code checklist would go a long way towards understanding all the many things to consider when addressing local regulations in the state. Here is a beginning list of things that can be used to create your own checklist.
- Kitchen Facilities – Sink: Make sure the kitchen has a sink with hot and cold (running) water. Space for Appliances: Check to see that there is enough space and the connections for a refrigerator and a stove. If there isn’t, clarify to see if it isn’t required or needs to be mentioned in the lease agreement. Cleanliness: Is everything clean enough? All the kitchen surfaces (floors, countertops, and appliances) should be at a certain level of cleanliness, though the degree of this is likely debatable.
- Bathroom Facilities – Toilet and Sink: Check for a functioning toilet and sink with hot and cold water. Bathing: Make sure there is a bathtub or shower in good working condition. Ventilation: Verify that the bathroom has either a window or an exhaust fan for proper ventilation.
- Heating and Ventilation – Heating: Confirm that the heating system can maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms during the heating season. Ventilation: Are the rooms ventilated enough? This could be either through windows or mechanical systems.
Structural Integrity – Foundation and Roof: Check for signs of leaks, cracks, or structural damage in the foundation and roof (whether they are common roof problems or more serious ones). Walls and Ceilings: Check for holes, significant cracks, or evidence of water damage. Floors: Make sure that the floors are free from defects that could cause tripping or injury.- Safety Features – Egress: What are those? Those are the entrances and exits. Check that they are all unobstructed and that doors and windows are operational. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Confirm the installation and functionality of required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Locks: Ensure that all doors leading to the outside are equipped with functioning locks.
- Sanitation and Pest Control – Water Supply: Check that the dwelling has an adequate supply of potable water. Sewage Disposal: Make sure that there is a “proper” connection to a sewage disposal system. Pest Infestation: Inspect for signs of rodents, insects, or other pests, and verify that the property is maintained to prevent infestations.
- Electrical and Lighting – Electrical System: Confirm that the electrical system is safe, with no exposed wiring or overloaded circuits. Lighting: Make sure that all habitable rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms have enough lighting.
- General Maintenance – Cleanliness: Verify that the property is clean and free from garbage or other things, including personal items. Lead Paint: For properties built before 1978, check for compliance with lead paint regulations, especially if children under six reside in the dwelling.
How Property Management Could Help
Whether we are talking about federal, state, or local landlord-tenant laws, it can be challenging for property owners to keep up with all of it, whether they have a Massachusetts housing code checklist or any number of other tools. In fact, regulations can even shift and change in regard to codes, regulations, or other matters. Ultimately ignorance is not a viable defense for not knowing the law, however complicated it may be.
Why not hire help? Hiring a professional property management company provides landlords and owners peace of mind that all daily operations are taken care of, including staying legally compliant. At Bay Property Management Group, our team of highly trained staff remains current on changing legal matters that impact the rental industry. So, if you would like to know how owning a rental property can be both profitable and less stressful – give us a call today. We provide professional property services in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Virginia, Texas, Georgia, and elsewhere.
