Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 170 § 170-6
Keeping of register (Barnstable Rental Properties)
Operative Text
The owner(s) shall be responsible for keeping a register containing all names of current occupants in the dwelling. The register shall be retained for a period of two years and shall be made available to the Board of Health, the Director of Public Health, a health inspector, a police officer, or the Town's licensing agent upon request.
Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 170 § 170-6 establishes that dwelling owners must maintain an up-to-date register listing the names of all current occupants. This record must be kept for at least two years and made available to designated local officials—including Board of Health representatives, health inspectors, police officers, and the Town's licensing agent—whenever they request it. The rule creates a formal documentation obligation tied to occupancy, supporting public health and safety oversight.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 170 § 170-6, compliant dwelling owners generally maintain a current, accurate register of all occupants and update it as tenancy changes occur. The register is preserved for a minimum of two years, even after occupants have moved out, so that historical records remain accessible. When a Board of Health official, health inspector, police officer, or the Town's licensing agent requests the register, operators make it promptly available.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 170 § 170-6 means that the owner of your dwelling is required by Barnstable's bylaws to keep a register that includes your name as a current occupant. If you believe this record-keeping obligation is not being met—for example, if your name is being omitted in a way that affects your recognized occupancy status—you may raise this concern with the Barnstable Board of Health or the Director of Public Health. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local Barnstable regulations can help you understand how this provision may relate to your situation.
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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