West Stockbridge, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 170 § 170-1
Definitions (West Stockbridge Mobile Home Parks)
Operative Text
The following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein, unless the context in which they are used clearly require a different meaning: ACT Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2013, An Act Providing for the Establishment and Administration of Rent Regulations and the Control of Evictions in Mobile Home Accommodations in the Town of West Stockbridge. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Any substantial rehabilitation, addition or improvement which appreciably adds to the value of the property or prolongs its life, or both, but not including ordinary maintenance and repairs. MOBILE HOME or MOBILE HOME PARK ACCOMMODATION A dwelling unit built on a chassis and containing complete electrical, plumbing and sanitary facilities, and designed to be installed on a temporary or a permanent foundation for permanent living quarters, but shall not include modular homes set upon permanent foundations and which are installed on a lot or parcel of land located in a mobile home park. MOBILE HOME PARK A park licensed by the Town's Board of Health pursuant to MGL c. 140, § 32B . RENT BOARD and BOARD The Mobile Home Park Rent Control Board as established under the Act and herein. The Board shall consist of the members of the Town's Select Board. RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board. TOWN The Town of West Stockbridge.
Section 170-1 of West Stockbridge's Code of Bylaws (CH. 170) establishes the foundational vocabulary for the town's mobile home park rent regulation framework, which was created under Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2013. Key terms defined include 'Mobile Home Park Accommodation,' 'Capital Improvement,' 'Rent Board,' and 'Town,' among others. These definitions govern how all subsequent provisions in CH. 170 are to be interpreted, ensuring consistent application of the rent control rules across West Stockbridge's licensed mobile home parks.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of mobile home parks in West Stockbridge should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 170-1, as these terms shape the scope of the entire rent regulation ordinance. Notably, the distinction between a 'Capital Improvement' — which must substantially add value or prolong property life — and ordinary maintenance and repairs is relevant when seeking rent adjustments. Compliant operators generally keep records that clearly distinguish capital improvements from routine upkeep, since that classification carries regulatory significance under CH. 170.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of West Stockbridge mobile home parks benefit from understanding the definitions in § 170-1, because these terms determine who and what falls under the town's rent control protections established by the Act. For example, the definition of 'Mobile Home Park Accommodation' clarifies which dwelling types are covered, while the 'Rent Board' definition identifies the Select Board as the body overseeing rent regulation. Tenants who believe a landlord's claim — such as characterizing a cost as a capital improvement — is being applied incorrectly may consider raising that concern with the Mobile Home Park Rent Control Board or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with CH. 170.
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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