Massachusetts recognizes an implied warranty of habitability and gives tenants strong remedies. Under M.G.L. c. 111 § 127L, after certified code violations and proper notice, a tenant may make repairs and deduct the cost from rent — up to four months' rent in any 12-month period — and may also withhold rent.
Massachusetts law implies a warranty of habitability requiring rental housing to meet the State Sanitary Code. Under M.G.L. c. 111 § 127L, when a violation is certified by a board of health, code enforcement agency, or court and the tenant gives written notice, but the owner "has failed to begin all necessary repairs... within five days after such notice, and to substantially complete all necessary repairs within fourteen days," the tenant may make repairs and deduct the cost. The statute caps this: "A tenant may not deduct pursuant to this section an amount greater than four months' rent in any twelve-month period." Tenants may also withhold rent for serious code violations and assert habitability as a defense to eviction. Violations caused by the tenant, household, guests, or invitees are excluded.
No specific monetary penalty under § 127L; the tenant's remedy is the repair-and-deduct (up to four months' rent per 12 months) plus the right to withhold rent and raise habitability defenses in a summary process action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chelsea, MA
Construction noise regulated under Chelsea Code Ch. 16 and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Standard hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM; no construction on Sund...
Chelsea, MA
Barking dogs addressed under Chelsea Code Ch. 4 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking is a civil nuisance complaint under MGL c. 140. ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea enforces noise complaints through Chapter 16 (Miscellaneous Offenses). No single statewide decibel limit applies; the city relies on MassDEP 310 CMR ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea is in the flight path of Boston Logan International Airport (about 1 mile west). Aircraft noise is governed by federal FAA regulations and Massport; ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea has a citywide residential parking sticker program under Code §13-4.2. The Chelsea Waterfront District requires sticker parking 8 AM–6 PM Mon–Fri. St...
Chelsea, MA
Abandoned vehicles on public ways subject to state law MGL c. 90 §22C (72-hour threshold). Chelsea enforces through its ISD and Police Department. Inoperable...
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