Williamstown, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 154 § 154-4
Definitions (Williamstown Rental Property)
Operative Text
[Amended 2-9-2026 ] In these regulations, the following terms have the meanings indicated: BOARD The Williamstown Board of Health or its designated agent. DWELLING UNIT A unit defined in 105 CMR 410.000 , as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, that is rented or intended for rental. CHAPTER II Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.000 . ROOMING UNIT A unit defined in 105 CMR 410.000 , as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, that is rented or intended for rental.
Section 154-4 of Williamstown's rental housing bylaws establishes the working definitions that apply throughout Chapter 154. Key terms—including 'Board,' 'Dwelling Unit,' 'Rooming Unit,' and 'Chapter II'—are given specific meanings, with residential unit types tied directly to the definitions found in Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.000. Because those unit definitions incorporate the state code 'as it now exists or may hereafter be amended,' the local definitions automatically update whenever the state standard changes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating rental housing in Williamstown should be aware that § 154-4 anchors the local bylaw's scope to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.000. Any unit that is rented or intended for rental—whether classified as a dwelling unit or a rooming unit under that state code—falls within the reach of Chapter 154 and the oversight of the Williamstown Board of Health. Compliant operators generally stay current with both the local bylaw and any amendments to 105 CMR 410.000, since changes to the state code are automatically incorporated into these local definitions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 154-4 clarifies which types of housing are covered by Williamstown's rental regulations: if a unit qualifies as a dwelling unit or rooming unit under Massachusetts State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.000 and is rented or intended for rental, it falls under Chapter 154's protections. The 'Board' referenced throughout these regulations is the Williamstown Board of Health, which is the body tenants may contact regarding potential violations of local rental housing standards. Tenants who believe their unit is improperly excluded from coverage, or who have questions about how these definitions apply, may wish to consult the Board of Health directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization 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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation