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Lawrence, MA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Registration deadline
March 31 annually
Registration fee
$25 initial, $15/unit annual renewal
Inspection cycle
At least once every 3 years
Inspection fee
$100-$400 per building by unit count
Noncompliance fine
$100 per month (15.14.150)

Summary

Lawrence runs a proactive rental inspection program under Municipal Code Chapter 15.14: owners must register every rental unit annually by March 31, and non-exempt units must be inspected at least once every three years by the inspectional services department, with fees up to $400 per building.

15.14.030 - Registration. All owners of private residential rental housing units ("owners"), including condominium units, in the city shall register no later than March 31 of each year with the inspectional services department identifying the property by street address and the number of units of housing at each address. ... 15.14.050 - Non-exempt unit inspections. All non-exempt rental units must be inspected at least once every three years. ... 15.14.070 - Inspection fees. The director shall charge an inspection fee of $100.00 for buildings containing up [to] three rental units; $200.00 for buildings containing four to six rental units; and $400.00 for buildings containing seven or more rental units.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).

Full Breakdown

14, Rental Unit Inspection, adopted by Doc. 030). 00 per building per year. 040). 050). 070). 060). 120).

Violations & Fines

Under Section 15.14.150, any failure to comply with the chapter results in a fine of $100.00 per month beginning the first month the property is found noncompliant, with each successive month a separate violation. The chapter may also be enforced through the noncriminal disposition process of General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21D, or through Chapter 40U as accepted by the city, and the city may seek an injunction to restrain a violation (15.14.110).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Lawrence rental units have to register?
Yes, with an exemption. Section 15.14.030 requires every owner of non-owner-occupied rental housing, including condos, to register each unit annually by March 31 with the inspectional services department, but Section 15.14.040 exempts units in buildings of three or fewer rentals where the owner lives in one.
How often does Lawrence inspect rental units?
Non-exempt rental units must be inspected at least once every three years under Section 15.14.050. The inspectional services department builds its inspection schedule using complaint records, court records and each property's inspection history, and owners get 30 days to schedule once notified.
What does a Lawrence rental inspection cost?
Section 15.14.070 sets inspection fees at $100.00 for buildings with up to three rental units, $200.00 for four to six units, and $400.00 for seven or more units, plus a $50.00 fee if the owner misses the scheduled appointment.
What happens if my rental stays noncompliant after inspection?
Section 15.14.150 imposes a $100.00 fine per month starting the first month the property is found noncompliant, with each additional month counted as a separate violation until the required compliance plan brings the unit up to code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lawrence

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsTenant Complaint ProcessSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Lawrence rules

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