In Massachusetts, the state Sanitary Code is the primary source of law that gives tenants a right to decent housing. The purpose of the state Sanitary Code is to protect people's health, safety, and well-being. It sets the minimum legal standards that all landlords must meet, and it applies to you whether you have a lease or not. For example, all rental housing must have heat, hot water, and electricity. Kitchens and bathrooms must have sinks with running water. Doors and windows must have locks.
The Housing Code Checklist (Booklet 2) outlines the main parts of the state Sanitary Code. It tells you which violations a landlord must repair within 24 hours of being notified by the Board of Health, which violations must be repaired by the landlord within 5 days of being notified, and which violations must be repaired by the landlord within 30 days of being notified by the Board.
- The minimum standards for housing are online.
- Regulations for lead poisoning prevention and control are online.
- The entire state Sanitary Code is online. See Public Health Regulations.
The Sanitary Code can also be purchased in person by going to:
State House Bookstore
State House Room 116,
Boston, MA 02133
617-727-2834
Western Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
436 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01103
413-784-1376
Southeastern Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
218 South Main St., Suite 206
Fall River, MA 02721
508-646-1374
Note:
While most problems that tenants face are covered in the state Sanitary Code, there are a number of other state codes in Massachusetts that affect residential property. These codes are more complex and detailed than the state Sanitary Code, and in many cases cover the same material.