Framingham, MA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection standard
- State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.000
- Reinspection fee
- $25
- Appeal deadline
- 7 days from order to correct
- Hearing deadline
- 30 days after appeal filed
- Decision deadline
- 21 days after hearing
- Fine
- $100 per violation per day
Summary
The Framingham Board of Health inspects every rental unit for compliance with the State Sanitary Code's Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation under § 496-4A. A compliant unit gets a certificate; a failing unit gets a written order to correct deficiencies with a compliance deadline, and owners can request reinspection for a $25 fee.
The Director of Public Health and/or their designee and employees shall inspect each rental unit to assure compliance with the Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation, as set forth in the State Sanitary Code, and housing standards and regulations, as adopted by the Framingham Board of Health. ... The Director of Public Health and/or their designee shall issue a rental unit inspection certificate for each unit found to be in compliance or, if a rental unit fails to meet the minimum standards and other requirements set forth above, shall issue a housing inspection report and an order to correct deficiencies. ... The owner of a unit for which an order to correct deficiencies has been issued may request reinspection at any time and shall pay a reinspection fee of $25.
Full Breakdown
Under § 496-4A, the Director of Public Health or a designee inspects each Framingham rental unit against the State Sanitary Code's Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation, 105 CMR 410.000, plus any additional housing standards the Board of Health adopts. Section 496-4B sets the two possible outcomes: if the unit passes, the Director issues a rental unit inspection certificate; if it fails, the Director issues a housing inspection report and a written order to correct deficiencies that sets a deadline for the repairs and notes that any work performed under the order needs proper permits.
Once the owner completes the corrections and proper permits are verified, § 496-4C lets the owner request reinspection at any time for a $25 fee, after which the Board issues the certificate. Owners who disagree with an order to correct have a formal appeal path under § 496-5: they must file a written appeal with the Board of Health within seven days of receiving the order, the Board must hold a public hearing within 30 days of that appeal (failure to meet that deadline does not invalidate the order), and the Board must issue a written decision sustaining, modifying or vacating the order within 21 days of the hearing.
If the order is sustained, the decision sets a new compliance deadline. The program runs alongside, and does not limit, any other enforcement authority the Board of Health holds under the State Sanitary Code or other law, per § 496-6B.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct deficiencies identified in an inspection report exposes an owner to the same § 496-6A penalty that governs the certificate program: a $100 fine for each violation, with every day the violation continues counted as a separate offense under the noncriminal disposition procedure in MGL c. 40, § 21D. The Board of Health also retains authority to pursue any other remedy available under the State Sanitary Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Framingham rental inspection check?
How does an owner appeal a failed inspection?
What does reinspection cost after fixing violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Framingham
Compare Framingham to another location·View the Massachusetts rental inspections overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.