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.
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is decl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford declares habitual barking dogs a public nuisance under the city ordinance. The keeping of any dog which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or ...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates construction noise under its general ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise and disturb the neighbor...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on th...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under §23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must compl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-stree...
See how New Bedford'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.