New Bedford requires rental registration and inspection every 5 years under city ordinance. Fall River requires a rental certificate. Taunton enforces state Sanitary Code inspections. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 units under MGL ch. 111 §197A.
Bristol County rental registration varies by municipality. New Bedford Chapter 9 requires owners of non-owner-occupied rentals to register with the Department of Inspectional Services and pass an inspection at least every five years; fees run roughly $50 to $100 per unit. Fall River operates a Rental Housing Program requiring a certificate of fitness and periodic inspection. Taunton enforces 105 CMR 410 (State Sanitary Code) on complaint rather than mandatory registration. All units are subject to MGL ch. 111 §127A inspections. Lead paint disclosure is mandatory for any unit built before 1978 where a child under 6 will reside (MGL ch. 111 §197A). Working smoke and CO detectors are required under MGL ch. 148 §26F and §26F½ with certification at sale or transfer.
Operating unregistered rental in New Bedford or Fall River: $100 to $300 per day per unit. Failure to correct Sanitary Code violations: court enforcement and potential receivership under MGL ch. 111 §127I. Missing smoke/CO detectors: $100 per device per day.
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