Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Cambridge

Cambridge, MA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Enforcing agency: Inspectional Services Department
Fine, 24-hour items: $100 per day
Fine, 30-day items: $10 per day
Appeal window: 10 days
Max repair extension: 90 days total
Fine escalation: Doubles at 2 weeks, triples at 1 month

Summary

Cambridge backs up the state Sanitary Code with its own fine schedule for landlords who ignore repair orders. Inspectional Services issues an administrative citation alongside every repair order at a violating rental unit, and if the owner misses the deadline the fine can automatically double, then triple, the longer disrepair continues.

In order to provide the Inspectional Services Department with the remedies necessary to effectively carry out its mandate under State law, to guarantee tenants of the City housing which complies with the State Sanitary Code and other applicable laws and regulations, and to encourage owners to maintain the buildings they own in compliance with this code, laws and regulations, the Cambridge City Council, in the exercise of its powers under Section 6 of the Home Rule Amendment, enacts the ordinance codified in this chapter under which administrative citations are issued to owners who violate the State Sanitary Code.

View official code

Full Breakdown

60 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (General Code), enacted by Ord. 010(A)). 030(A)). 030(B)-(D)). 040(B)). 060(D): $100 per day for emergency items that must be fixed within twenty-four hours, and $10 per day for items given up to thirty days. 050). 080(B)). 030(E)).

Violations & Fines

Failing to complete ordered repairs triggers an administrative citation and a per-day fine under § 8.60.060: $100/day for 24-hour emergency items, $10/day for 30-day items. Fines double after two weeks of continued noncompliance and triple after a month (§ 8.60.080(B)). Repeat violators in the same unit within twelve months are ineligible for a repair extension (§ 8.60.050(D)). Aggrieved owners or occupants can appeal a fine to ISD within ten days (§ 8.60.070).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces Cambridge's rental habitability rules?

The Inspectional Services Department enforces the State Sanitary Code under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 8.60. When ISD finds a violation at a rental unit it issues an order to make repairs plus an administrative citation, and reinspects within five days, or twenty-four hours for health-threatening conditions.

How much can a landlord be fined for not fixing a violation?

Under § 8.60.060(D), fines run $100 per day for violations that must be fixed within twenty-four hours and $10 per day for violations given up to thirty days. Under § 8.60.080(B), an unpaid fine automatically doubles after two weeks and triples after one month of continued noncompliance.

Can an owner get more time to make repairs?

Yes, but only with a good-faith showing backed by two written repair estimates, and the combined repair period, including any extension, cannot exceed ninety days from the original order. No extension is available if the owner was already fined for the same violation in that unit within the past year.

Can a tenant appeal if ISD does not fine a noncompliant landlord?

Yes. Section 8.60.070 lets an owner or an occupant aggrieved by ISD's fine decision, including a failure to fine, appeal in writing within ten days of the action, though filing the appeal does not pause the owner's separate duty to make repairs.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cambridge Municipal Code (General Code) § 8.60.010

Other rules in Cambridge

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions

All Cambridge rules

Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts rental property rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle repairs & habitability.

Somerville, MA