Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 170 § 170-11
Inspections (Barnstable Rental Properties)
Operative Text
[Amended 8-1-2013 by Order No. 2013-034 [1] ] Dwelling units covered by this chapter shall be subject to reasonable inspections by Town inspectional staff. All interior inspections shall be done in the company of the owner, occupant or the representative of either. [1] Editor's Note: This order also repealed former § 170-11, Storage and removal of rubbish, garbage and other refuse, and renumbered former §§ 170-12 through 170-15 as §§ 170-11 through 170-14 , respectively.
Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 170 § 170-11 establishes that dwelling units covered under Chapter 170 are subject to reasonable inspections by Town inspectional staff. Any interior inspection must be conducted with the owner, occupant, or a designated representative of either party present. This provision balances the Town's authority to inspect rental housing with a procedural protection ensuring no interior space is examined without an authorized person in attendance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 170-11, property owners and managers whose units fall under Chapter 170 should be prepared to accommodate reasonable inspection requests from Town inspectional staff. Compliant operators typically ensure that either themselves, a designated representative, or the occupant is available and present whenever an interior inspection is scheduled. Maintaining clear communication with tenants about upcoming inspections and having a representative available helps satisfy the companion-presence requirement established by this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 170-11 provides tenants with a procedural protection: no interior inspection of a covered dwelling unit may take place without the owner, the occupant, or a representative of either being present. Tenants who believe an interior inspection was conducted without any authorized person present may have grounds to raise that as a concern with the Town's inspectional services department. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Barnstable's housing code can help residents understand how this provision applies to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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