Massachusetts has no comprehensive HOA act governing covenant enforcement. Condominium use and architectural restrictions are enforced through the master deed and by-laws under M.G.L. c. 183A. Non-condo HOA covenants are enforced as recorded deed restrictions plus c. 180 nonprofit governance — courts read both narrowly.
For condominiums, M.G.L. c. 183A § 11 requires the by-laws to state "[r]estrictions on and requirements respecting the use and maintenance of the units and the use of the common areas and facilities," and § 10 gives the organization standing to bring litigation to enforce the by-laws. Section 4 reserves exclusive ownership of each unit subject to the restrictions in the master deed. Architectural and use rules thus live in the recorded master deed, by-laws, and rules. For non-condominium HOAs there is no enforcement statute; covenants are ordinary recorded deed restrictions enforced under common law and the declaration, with the association operating as a c. 180 nonprofit. Massachusetts courts construe restrictive covenants strictly against the party seeking to enforce them, so vague or stale restrictions can fail.
Condo associations may sue to enforce master-deed and by-law restrictions (c. 183A § 10); remedies include injunctions and recovery of costs/fees as the by-laws allow. Non-condo covenant violations are enforced as recorded deed restrictions under the declaration. No statutory penalty schedule exists.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not regulate amplified music. Each municipality requires entertainment licenses or one-day amplified sound permits under MGL c. 140 §183A...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not handle abandoned vehicles. MGL c. 90B §2 allows police to remove abandoned vehicles after 72 hours. Quincy, Brookline, and Weymouth t...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not regulate chickens or livestock. Each town sets its own rules via zoning and board of health regulations. Suburban towns often restric...
Holbrook, MA
Holbrook follows the Massachusetts statewide framework: residential open burning is permitted only between January 15 and May 1 with a daily permit from the ...
Norfolk County, MA
Brookline enacted the first MA town-wide ban on new artificial turf on town property (2023 Town Meeting Art. 14). Other Norfolk County towns allow turf resid...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not restrict rainwater harvesting. MA has no statewide restrictions on residential rain barrel or cistern use. Many Norfolk County towns ...
See how Holbrook's cc&r enforcement rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.