Williamstown, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 154 § 154-5
Certification of dwelling and rooming units (Williamstown Rental Property)
Operative Text
No dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be occupied without a valid certificate of compliance, except as provided by § 154-7 or 154-8B herein. A. Dwelling units: (1) Whenever a dwelling unit is vacated by the occupant or occupants thereof, the Board shall certify, prior to reoccupation, that the unit meets the applicable standards set forth in Chapter II. (2) Application for certificate of compliance. (a) The owner, manager or person in charge of a dwelling unit shall apply to the Board for the certificate of compliance as soon as the unit is vacated. Notice must be given so as to provide adequate time for the unit's inspection and repair, if required, and to reasonably assure compliance with the standards of Chapter II prior to its reoccupancy. (b) The owner, manager or person in charge of a new unit or a previously uncertified unit shall apply for certification not more than 30 days after the completion of the unit or from the effective date of these regulations. (3) The property owner will ensure, by providing proof upon request, that the heating system for the dwelling unit has undergone service and/or maintenance by a licensed heating system professional within the previous 12 months. [Added 1-19-1999 ; amended 7-8-2002 ] B. Rooming units: (1) The Board shall inspect and certify annually each rooming unit to ensure that it meets the applicable standards of Chapter II. (2) Application for certificate of compliance. (a) The owner, manager or person in charge of a rooming unit shall apply to the Board for the certificate of compliance at least 30 days in advance of the expiration date of the previous certificate of compliance. (b) The owner, manager or person in charge of a new unit or a previously uncertified unit shall apply for certification not more than 30 days after completion of the unit or from the effective date of these regulations. (3) If the rooming unit meets the applicable standards, the Board shall issue a certificate of compliance, certifying that it meets those standards. (4) The property owner will ensure, by providing proof upon request, that the heating system for the dwelling unit has undergone service and/or maintenance by a licensed heating system professional within the previous 12 months. [Added 1-19-1999 ; amended 7-8-2002 ]
Williamstown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 154 § 154-5 establishes that no dwelling unit or rooming unit may be occupied unless it holds a valid certificate of compliance, with limited exceptions noted in §§ 154-7 and 154-8B. Dwelling units must be inspected and certified by the Board before a new occupant moves in after a vacancy, while rooming units are subject to annual inspection and certification. Property owners of both unit types must also be able to show, upon request, that a licensed professional has serviced the heating system within the past 12 months.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 154 § 154-5, compliant operators of dwelling units apply to the Board for a certificate of compliance as soon as a unit is vacated, allowing enough lead time for any required inspection and repairs before a new tenant moves in. Operators of rooming units submit renewal applications at least 30 days before the current certificate expires and maintain annual certification. Owners of both unit types keep documentation showing that a licensed heating system professional has serviced the heating system within the previous 12 months, ready to produce that proof if the Board requests it.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 154 § 154-5 gives tenants in Williamstown the assurance that a dwelling or rooming unit is not supposed to be occupied without a valid certificate of compliance from the Board. If a tenant believes a unit lacks proper certification or that the heating system has not been professionally maintained as required, they may raise that concern directly with the Board or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massachusetts housing law. Tenants can also review whether any applicable exception under §§ 154-7 or 154-8B applies to their situation before deciding how to proceed.
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