Everett, MA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Chapter 10, Article III, of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, runs a pre-occupancy inspection program. Section 10-27(a) requires the owner to request a legal use of status from the Building Department prior to renting a vacant dwelling unit. The inspection is limited to the unit in question and all common areas, except for the life and safety carve-out in paragraph (d). Section 10-26 defines vacant as empty or unoccupied, and defines owner to include anyone with legal title, anyone with care, charge or control, and every person who operates a rooming house.

The application fee is due at the time of request. The fee is determined by the Health Department with the approval of the Everett City Council, and Section 10-27(b) sets the fee for the certificate application at $25.00. Owners who qualify for an exemption under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C are exempt from paying the fee.

Section 10-27(d) lets the inspector look further if the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe a life and safety issue exists on the property. If a person with authority invites the inspector into another part of the building and the issue is not life and safety, the occupant is directed to the proper City department to file a complaint. Under paragraph (e), an enhanced inspection does not invalidate the results of the unit inspection or the common areas.

Section 10-28 sets the clock: the Health Department must respond within ten (10) business days of the notification, and if the inspection has not been made within that time the owner may rent the apartment. Section 10-29 then requires certification under the State Sanitary Code before occupancy. As printed, the program attaches to renting a vacant unit; the article prints no periodic inspection cycle.