Bill > H1557

This bill creates a new Office of Tenant Protections within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which will be led by a director appointed by the secretary. The office will have significant enforcement powers related to housing standards, including the ability to inspect residences, issue orders of noncompliance with minimum habitability standards (as defined in the State Sanitary Code), hold hearings on those orders, and issue fines for violations. Specifically, the office will enforce the minimum standards of fitness for human habitation, working concurrently with the commissioner of public health and local boards of health. The office will also enforce compliance with a specific regulation (940 CMR 3.17) and will have the power to inspect residences, issue noncompliance orders, and levy fines. Any final decisions made by the office regarding noncompliance can be appealed through the judicial system, similar to appeals of decisions made by boards of health. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will be responsible for creating regulations or guidance to implement these new responsibilities.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1557