Winthrop, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 8.40 (2023) § 8.40.030
Applicability; exemption
Operative Text
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all Rental Units in the Town, with the exception of: A. Rental Units owned, operated, or managed in accordance with a state or local Housing Authority or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Program, during the period of time as such governmental ownership, operation and management remains in effect, provided that such units file with the Board their annual inspection reports issued by any of the above organizations throughout said period. B. Units located in dwellings containing three or fewer Rental Units, one of which is occupied by the owner, unless determined to be a Problem Property pursuant to Section 8.40.090 . C. The Winthrop Housing Authority shall maintain inspection records at its offices which shall be made available to Town Officials as necessary.
Winthrop Code of Ordinances ch. 8.40 § 8.40.030 establishes which rental units fall under the town's rental inspection chapter and which do not. Units overseen by a state or local Housing Authority or the federal HUD Section 8 Program are exempt as long as that governmental oversight continues and annual inspection reports are filed with the Board. Small owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer rental units are also exempt, unless the property has been designated a 'Problem Property' under Section 8.40.090.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 8.40 § 8.40.030, operators of rental properties in Winthrop generally need to determine whether their units fall within the chapter's scope before assuming an exemption applies. Landlords whose units are covered by a Housing Authority or HUD Section 8 Program must file annual inspection reports with the Board to maintain their exempt status. Owners of small buildings with three or fewer rental units who occupy one of those units may qualify for an exemption, but should be aware that a Problem Property designation under Section 8.40.090 can override that exemption.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8.40.030 of the Winthrop Code of Ordinances defines the scope of tenant protections under Chapter 8.40, so tenants can use this provision to understand whether their unit is covered. Tenants in owner-occupied buildings of three or fewer units should be aware that their unit may be exempt unless the property has been classified as a Problem Property under Section 8.40.090. Tenants who believe their unit should be covered by the chapter, or who have questions about their landlord's compliance, may consider contacting the Winthrop Housing Authority or a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
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 Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.