Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 312 § 312-2
Definitions (Framingham Lodging Houses)
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: LICENSEE That person(s) or entity listed on the lodging house license and the owner(s) of the land and building where the lodging house is operated. LODGER A "lodger" is any person residing in a rooming unit, including any person listed as a lodger on any lease agreement for said unit. LODGING HOUSE Every dwelling or part thereof which contains one or more rooming units in which space is let or sublet for compensation by the licensee, owner or operator to four or more persons not within the second degree of kindred to the person compensated. The term "lodging house" shall include but not be limited to boardinghouses, rooming houses, inns, bed-and-breakfast establishments, dormitories, fraternity houses, sober houses and other similar dwelling places, but shall not include dormitories of charitable or philanthropic institutions or convalescent or nursing homes licensed under MGL c. 111, § 71 , or rest homes so licensed, or group residences licensed or regulated by agencies of the commonwealth. ROOMING UNIT The room or group of rooms let to an individual or household for use as living and sleeping quarters.
Section 312-2 of Framingham's Code of Bylaws (CH. 312) establishes the core definitions that govern the city's lodging house regulatory framework. A 'lodging house' covers any dwelling where space in one or more rooming units is rented for compensation to four or more unrelated persons, encompassing boardinghouses, rooming houses, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, dormitories, fraternity houses, and sober houses, while explicitly excluding certain licensed institutional facilities such as nursing homes and group residences regulated by the Commonwealth. The definitions of 'licensee,' 'lodger,' and 'rooming unit' set the boundaries for who and what falls under the chapter's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and operators subject to CH. 312 § 312-2 should understand that the 'licensee' designation attaches to both the person named on the lodging house license and the land and building owner, meaning ownership alone can create regulatory responsibility. A compliant operator generally ensures that any dwelling renting space to four or more unrelated persons is properly classified as a lodging house under this section and licensed accordingly. Operators of facilities that may qualify for an exemption—such as nursing homes or Commonwealth-regulated group residences—typically maintain documentation of that licensure to demonstrate they fall outside CH. 312's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For people living in rooming units, § 312-2 of Framingham's CH. 312 establishes that anyone residing in such a unit—including those named on a lease—qualifies as a 'lodger' with standing under the chapter's protections. If a lodger believes their residence meets the definition of a lodging house but the operator lacks the required license, they may raise that issue as a potential violation with the relevant Framingham municipal authority or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with local lodging house regulations. Understanding these definitions can help lodgers determine whether the broader protections of CH. 312 apply to their living 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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