Rental registration is set locally, and Essex County's mill cities require it. Lynn, Lawrence, and Haverhill all mandate that landlords register residential rentals and pass periodic sanitary-code inspections before units can be rented, backed by state authority in MGL Chapter 111.
There is no county registry; each city runs its own. Lynn requires owners of private residential rental units to register yearly with Inspectional Services (about $25 initial, $15 per unit renewal) and pass a $100 inspection every five years; unregistered units draw fines up to $300 per day. Lawrence requires registration by March 31 each year and inspection at least once every three years. Haverhill requires a Board of Health rental permit and inspection whenever a unit turns over. These local programs enforce the state sanitary code, adopted under MGL c.111 §127A, which sets minimum standards of fitness for human habitation.
Renting an unregistered or uninspected unit brings municipal fines, up to $300 per day in Lynn, plus orders to correct sanitary-code violations. Cities can withhold rental permits and pursue enforcement in Housing Court until the property complies.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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