General

What is the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code?

Standard

What is the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code?

Also known as 105 CMR 410, the state sanitary code sets the standards by which shelter in the Commonwealth is to be judged. Its official title is “Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation.” All apartments should comply with the state sanitary code.

How do you get a house condemned in Massachusetts?

If a housing inspector finds that all or a part of the building you live in is “unfit” to live in and that repairs cannot be made while you are living in the property, the Board of Health may issue a finding that the dwelling or a portion of the dwelling is unfit for human habitation.

How do I report unsafe living conditions in Massachusetts?

Call 1-800-532-9571 to find out more. Further information is available at: www.mass.gov/dph/clppp.

What is the maximum occupancy for a 2 bedroom apartment in Massachusetts?

II. OCCUPANCY Maximum number of persons per apartment: 2 persons per bedroom plus 1. Example: In general, maximum number of persons per apartment is 2 persons per bedroom plus 1. This may vary based on the size and configuration of your rental unit.

Can I rent my basement in Massachusetts?

To get a permit for a basement apartment in Boston, it has to pass fire codes, have a minimum ceiling height 6′ 8″, and have two means of egress, which could be a separate outside entry door to the basement or windows large enough to accommodate a person. Each room area has to have a minimum habitable space.

What building code does Massachusetts use?

The Massachusetts State Building Code consists of a series of international model codes and any state-specific amendments adopted by the Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS).

What are reasons to condemn a house?

What can cause a house to be condemned?

  • Infrastructure failure.
  • Structural damage from weather catastrophes.
  • Unsanitary living conditions.
  • Black mold.
  • Termite damage.
  • Unsafe building materials.
  • Fire and water damage.

What makes a house get condemned?

Usually, a house is condemned because of repeated housing code violations over the safety of the building. A house may be abandoned for a certain amount of time and pose a safety risk. But not all properties become condemned because they were left vacant.

What makes a room uninhabitable?

A dwelling also may be considered uninhabitable (unlivable) if it substantially lacks any of the following: Effective waterproofing and weather protection of roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows and doors.