Marlborough, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 421 § 421-6
Agent(s) (Marlborough Lodging Houses and Boardinghouses)
Operative Text
A. If the licensee, because of health, other employment, nonresidence on the premises of the lodging house, frequent or extended absences from the lodging house or other reason, is unable to exercise proper supervision of the lodging house, he/she shall designate one or more agent(s) to carry out all or part of his/her responsibilities. B. If, for any reason, an agent ceases to exercise his/her responsibilities, the licensee shall at once notify the Licensing Board, Board of Health, Building Department, Fire Department and Police Department and take immediate steps to provide proper interim supervision and obtain a suitable replacement. C. The agent(s) shall be available on a twenty-four-hour basis and must post his/her telephone numbers (including cell phone number) and beeper number, as applicable, in a location accessible to lodgers.
Marlborough, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 421 § 421-6 establishes that a lodging house licensee who cannot personally supervise the property must appoint one or more agents to handle those duties. If an agent stops fulfilling their role, the licensee must immediately notify five city departments and arrange interim supervision. Any designated agent must be reachable around the clock and must post their phone and beeper contact information where lodgers can easily find it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 421 § 421-6, compliant lodging house operators who cannot maintain direct, on-site supervision designate a qualified agent and keep that arrangement current. When an agent relationship ends for any reason, operators promptly notify the Licensing Board, Board of Health, Building Department, Fire Department, and Police Department simultaneously, and arrange interim coverage without delay. Agents are kept reachable 24 hours a day, and their telephone numbers—including cell and beeper numbers—are posted in a common area accessible to all lodgers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 421 § 421-6 gives lodgers the right to know who is responsible for supervising their lodging house at all times, including after-hours contact information posted in an accessible location. If no agent contact information is posted, or if supervision appears to have lapsed without the required notifications being made, lodgers may raise this as a concern with the Marlborough Licensing Board, Board of Health, or other relevant city departments. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Marlborough lodging house regulations can help lodgers understand what options may be available when this provision appears to be violated.
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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