Is Your Apartment Legal? The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, Explained

Under 1 min read

•July 21, 2026

THE BOTTOM LINE

105 CMR 410 sets the minimum every MA rental must meet — heat, hot water, safety systems, and structural soundness — and it's the owner's job to maintain it.

WHO NEEDS THIS

Any MA tenant dealing with a maintenance or habitability problem.

KEY INSIGHTS

•Heat and hot water are the most commonly enforced requirements
•Owners maintain systems/structure; occupants must allow access and keep it sanitary
•Board of health must inspect on request and can order repairs
•Persistent violations open the door to rent withholding or repair-and-deduct

DO THIS NEXT

Put your repair request in writing today, then request a board of health inspection if it isn't addressed.

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