Georgetown, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 457 § 457-9
Violations and penalties (Georgetown Rental Occupancy)
Operative Text
Any owner of such property used for dwelling purposes failing to comply with this regulation may pay a fine as provided in MGL C. 111, § 31 , each and every day he allows any person or persons to live, occupy or inhabit the said premises without having received an occupancy permit from the Board of Health.
Georgetown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 457 § 457-9 establishes that property owners who allow people to live in a dwelling without a valid occupancy permit from the Board of Health may be subject to fines. The fines accrue on a daily basis for each day the violation continues, with the specific fine amount set by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 111, Section 31. The rule is designed to ensure that residential properties meet health and safety standards before being occupied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Georgetown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 457 § 457-9, compliant property owners secure a valid occupancy permit from the Board of Health before allowing any tenant to move into a dwelling unit. Because fines can accumulate each day a property is occupied without the required permit, operators generally confirm permit status before any occupancy begins and maintain records of issued permits. Reviewing the permit requirements with the local Board of Health before a new tenancy or after significant renovations is a common practice among compliant operators.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Georgetown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 457 § 457-9 reflects a requirement that landlords obtain an occupancy permit from the Board of Health before allowing anyone to live in a dwelling. Tenants who believe they are living in a unit that lacks the required permit may contact the Georgetown Board of Health to inquire about the property's permit status or to file a complaint. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord has not complied with local occupancy permit requirements.
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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