Springfield, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 238 § 238-9
Severability (Springfield Short-Term Rentals)
Operative Text
If any provision in this chapter shall be held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such provision shall be considered separately and apart from the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 238-9 of Springfield, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 238 establishes a severability rule, meaning that if any single part of Chapter 238 is found legally invalid by a court, that part is treated as separate from the rest of the chapter. The remaining provisions continue to operate as if the invalidated portion never existed. This is a standard legal mechanism designed to preserve the overall regulatory framework even when individual components are successfully challenged.
Plain English — not legal advice.
As a property owner or manager subject to Chapter 238, the severability clause in § 238-9 means that a successful legal challenge to one part of the chapter does not automatically void the obligations imposed by other sections. Compliant operators generally continue to follow all remaining provisions of Chapter 238 unless a court has specifically invalidated the particular rule at issue. Staying informed about any court rulings affecting Chapter 238 helps ensure ongoing compliance with the portions that remain in effect.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 238-9 protects tenants by ensuring that the rights and protections established throughout Chapter 238 remain intact even if a court strikes down one specific provision. If a landlord argues that a court ruling on one part of the chapter eliminates other tenant protections, § 238-9 provides a basis for contesting that interpretation. Tenants who have questions about how a court ruling may affect their rights under Chapter 238 can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general guidance.
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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