Peabody, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. I (2026) § 14-7
Applicability of certification
Operative Text
The certification required herein shall not apply to new construction which is in compliance with the General Laws of the State and local laws pertaining thereto, nor shall it apply to new construction completed less than five years prior to the date on which the rented dwelling unit, apartment, or tenement becomes vacant.
Peabody Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. I § 14-7 establishes two categories of new construction that are exempt from the certification requirement otherwise imposed by the chapter. First, new construction that already complies with applicable state and local laws is not subject to the certification. Second, any newly constructed rental unit that was completed fewer than five years before it becomes vacant is also excluded from the certification requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Peabody Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. I § 14-7, operators of newly constructed rental properties generally track the completion date of their buildings to determine whether the five-year exemption from certification applies at the time a unit becomes vacant. Compliant operators also maintain documentation showing that new construction meets relevant Massachusetts General Laws and local ordinances, which supports the separate statutory-compliance exemption. Keeping clear construction completion records helps demonstrate eligibility for either exemption when a unit turns over.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Peabody Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. I § 14-7 means that tenants living in newer buildings—those completed within the past five years—may be in a unit that is not subject to the same certification requirements that apply to older rental housing. Tenants who are uncertain whether their unit qualifies for an exemption or whether the certification rules otherwise apply to their building can review the ordinance directly or reach out to the City of Peabody's relevant municipal office for clarification. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Peabody housing rules can also help explain how these exemptions interact with other protections that may be available.
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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