Chelsea, MA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Section 6-2(b) creates two inspection triggers for Chelsea rental units: a new-occupant inspection whenever a unit is vacated or converted to condominium use before a new occupant moves in, and a five-year inspection for every rental unit regardless of whether the tenancy has changed. The director of ISD may also order an inspection at any time under the same standards. If ISD has previously required an owner to remove an illegal dwelling unit or illegal space, every unit in that building needs a fresh certificate of habitability within one year of the building permit confirming the removal, regardless of the normal five-year or tenant-change schedule.

Owners are responsible for giving tenants reasonable advance notice of a scheduled inspection and for making sure the inspector can access every interior and exterior space, including the basement, common areas and outside space, and can view every room, wall and secondary means of egress. 00 each. If an owner is denied tenant access, the owner must notify ISD at least 72 hours before the scheduled appointment with proof that adequate notice was given to the tenant, then reschedule. 00 fee, and is deemed noncompliant, drawing a daily fine under section 1-8 until the unit is inspected and certified. Inspection results go to the owner in writing and to the tenant on request, and become part of the public record.