Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 8 3 § 8.3.7
Cleanliness (Brookline Dwelling Houses Used in Common)
Operative Text
Every part of such dwelling houses shall be kept clean and free from any accumulation of dirt, filth and garbage, or other refuse matter, including the cellars, halls, passages, rooms, areas, yards, and spaces appurtenant thereto. Every part of such dwelling houses shall be thoroughly cleansed whenever ordered by the Board of Health.
Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 8 3 § 8.3.7 establishes that all areas of a dwelling house — including cellars, halls, passages, rooms, yards, and adjacent spaces — must be kept free of dirt, filth, garbage, and other refuse. The rule also empowers the Board of Health to order a thorough cleaning of any part of such a dwelling at any time. This applies to the full physical extent of the property, not just individual living units.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8.3.7, compliant property operators maintain all areas of their dwelling houses — from individual rooms to cellars, hallways, yards, and appurtenant spaces — in a consistently clean condition, free of accumulated refuse and garbage. Operators also respond promptly to any cleaning orders issued by the Brookline Board of Health, as the provision grants that body authority to mandate thorough cleansing of any part of the property. Routine inspection schedules and documented cleaning logs are practices commonly associated with maintaining compliance across all shared and private areas.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8.3.7 establishes a right to live in a dwelling house that is kept clean and free from accumulations of dirt, filth, and garbage throughout all common and private areas. If conditions in hallways, cellars, yards, or other parts of the property fall short of this standard, tenants may consider filing a complaint with the Brookline Board of Health, which holds authority under this provision to order corrective cleaning. Tenant-rights organizations in Massachusetts can also help residents understand what documentation and steps are generally available when cleanliness standards are not being met.
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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