Westwood, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 310 § 310-1
Definitions (Westwood Lodging Facilities)
Operative Text
HOTEL — Any building used for the feeding and lodging of guests licensed or required to be licensed under the provisions of MGL c. 140, § 6 . LICENSEE The person(s) or entity listed on the license and the owner of the land and building where the facility is operated. LODGER Any person residing in a rooming unit, including any person listed on the register or rental agreement. LODGING FACILITY Shall refer to any hotel, lodging house or motel as defined above. [1] LODGING HOUSE A house where lodgings are let to four or more persons not within the second degree of kindred to the person conducting it, licensed or required to be licensed under MGL c. 140, § 23 . MOTEL Any building or portion thereof, other than a hotel or lodging house, in which persons are lodged for hire with or without meals and which is licensed or required to be licensed under the provisions of MGL c. 140, § 32B , or is a private club. ROOMING UNIT The room or group of rooms let to an individual for use as living and sleeping quarters. [1] Editor's Note: So in original. "Hotel," "lodging house" and "motel" are defined in § 310-1 , Definitions.
Westwood, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 310 § 310-1 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Chapter 310's lodging regulations. It draws distinctions among hotels, motels, lodging houses, and rooming units, tying each category to the relevant Massachusetts General Laws licensing requirements. The definitions also clarify who counts as a "licensee" and a "lodger," ensuring that both the operator of record and the property owner bear responsibility under the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of lodging facilities in Westwood should be familiar with how CH. 310 § 310-1 classifies their property, since the applicable rules and licensing obligations under MGL c. 140 differ depending on whether the facility is a hotel, motel, or lodging house. Compliant operators typically ensure that the correct license is obtained and that both the license-holder and the land/building owner are properly identified as licensees. Accurate classification at the outset helps operators apply the right set of regulatory requirements throughout Chapter 310.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For people residing in a rooming unit, CH. 310 § 310-1 confirms that any person living in such a unit — including those listed on a register or rental agreement — qualifies as a "lodger" with standing under Chapter 310. Understanding how the facility is classified (hotel, lodging house, or motel) can be relevant when determining which protections and licensing requirements apply to a given living arrangement. Tenants who believe a facility is misclassified or unlicensed may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant local or state licensing authority for 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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