Newburyport, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 5, art. VIII (2026) § 5-251
Findings of fact
Operative Text
The city council finds and declares that a serious shortage of affordable rental housing exists in the city. This shortage of housing constitutes an acute rental housing emergency requiring local action on account of all of the factors set forth in M.G.L.A. c. 183A, and the factors set forth below. One (1) of the factors contributing to the shortage of such rental housing is the conversion of existing rental housing units to the condominium or cooperative form of ownership. Such conversion removes rental units from the local housing market at existing rents and if such units are reoffered to the rental market after conversion, the amount of the monthly rents requested is often significantly higher than the preconversion rent. The shortage of affordable rental units constitutes a serious threat to the public health, safety, and the general welfare of all of the citizens of the city. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with this emergency immediately.
Section 5-251 of the Newburyport Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5, Article VIII, sets out the city council's formal findings that Newburyport faces a serious shortage of affordable rental housing, which the council has declared an acute rental housing emergency. The provision identifies the conversion of rental units to condominium or cooperative ownership as a contributing factor, noting that such conversions remove units from the rental market and often result in significantly higher rents if those units are later re-rented. These findings establish the legislative basis and public-interest rationale for the regulatory measures that follow in the article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5-251, the Newburyport City Council has formally declared an affordable rental housing emergency, citing condominium and cooperative conversions as a key driver of reduced rental supply and increased rents. Property owners and managers operating in Newburyport should be aware that this declaration of emergency underpins the regulatory framework in Chapter 5, Article VIII, and signals that the city has determined local intervention is warranted. Operators considering conversion of rental units to condominium or cooperative ownership should understand that this provision reflects the council's stated concern about the impact of such conversions on housing availability and affordability.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5-251 establishes the city council's official findings that Newburyport has an acute rental housing emergency, in part because condominium and cooperative conversions have reduced the supply of affordable rental units and driven up rents. These findings are significant because they form the legal and policy foundation for the tenant protections and other requirements set out elsewhere in Chapter 5, Article VIII. Tenants who believe their housing situation is affected by the conditions described in this provision may wish to review the broader article, consult a tenant-rights organization, or contact the city for information about what protections may apply.
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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