Somerville condominium boards operate under MGL c.183A (Massachusetts Condominium Act) and the recorded Master Deed and Bylaws, which govern elections, meeting notice, quorum, and voting procedures for trustees.
Massachusetts does not have a comprehensive HOA statute, but condominiums are governed by MGL c.183A (the Condominium Act) along with each association's Master Deed, Declaration of Trust, and Bylaws. Somerville condo boards, technically called Boards of Trustees, must follow procedures specified in these documents: annual unit owner meetings, written notice (typically 10 to 30 days), quorum requirements (often a majority of beneficial interest), and voting procedures proportional to each unit's percentage interest. Trustees are elected at annual meetings. Board meetings should follow procedures set in bylaws, often including notice to trustees, quorum, and recorded minutes. While MGL c.183A does not require open meetings, well-drafted bylaws often provide unit owners reasonable access. Somerville-specific rules are rare; most disputes are governed by state law and condo documents. Unit owners frustrated with board procedures have remedies in Massachusetts Land Court and Superior Court.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle board procedures.
See how Somerville's board procedures rules stack up against other locations.
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