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RIGHTS AS A TENANT OR PROPERTY OWNER

The Board of Health is required to enforce the provisions of the State Sanitary Code, Chapter II: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation. To obtain more information on your rights as a tenant or as a property owner you can check out the links provided or you can contact the Board of Health office for information or to request an inspection of your dwelling.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Landlord Rights and Responsibilities

Safe and Sanitary Housing

Housing Regulations
*Disclaimer: Please be advised that the following does not constitute the official version of this regulation. As is the case with all state regulations, official versions are available from the Secretary of the Commonwealth's State Publications and Regulations Division, through the State Bookstore. For the official version, contact the State Bookstore in Boston at (617) 727-2834

The Lead Paint Law requires the deleading or interim control of lead hazards existing in homes built before 1978 where children under the age of six live. Lead poisoning is a disease caused by lead in the body that is especially dangerous for young children. It can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys and nervous system. Even low levels can slow a child's development and cause learning and behavior problems.

Tenant Lead Law Notification Requirements: Under Massachusetts and federal law, owners must comply with Tenant Notification requirements when a prospective tenant is about to rent a home built before 1978, whether they have a child under six or not. The aim of this requirement is to inform tenants about:
" The danger lead paint poses to children and adults
" Lead poisoning prevention steps
" The requirements of the Lead Law

To comply with both the state and federal Tenant Notification requirements, the owner must supply the prospective tenant the following documents before entering a rental agreement:
" Two copies of the Tenant Notification and Tenant Certification Form (one for the owner to keep and one for the tenant to keep)
" A copy of the most recent lead inspection or risk assessment report for the rental unit, if one exists
" A copy of any Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim Control for the rental unit, if it exists

Tenant and owner must each keep a completed and signed Tenant Certification Form, which certifies that the tenant has received the information. Owners who fail to comply with Tenant Notification requirements are subject to civil penalty under Massachusetts law, and both civil and criminal penalties under federal law.

Tenant Lead Law Notification Form (PDF 21k)

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program