Cal. Civ. Code § 410.150
Hot Water
Operative Text
The owner shall provide and maintain in good operating condition facilities capable of
heating and delivering hot water:
(A) In a quantity and pressure sufficient to satisfy the ordinary use of all plumbing fixtures
which normally need hot water for their proper use and function.
(B) In a temperature range of not less than 110F (43C) and not greater than 130F (54C)
for fixtures other than a bathtub or shower.
(C) In a temperature range of not less than 110F (43C) and not greater than 120F (48C)
for a bathtub or shower.
(D) Inspection of the hot water system shall include an examination of the hot water system and
its actual performance. If possible, such examination shall occur at the times and under such
conditions as the occupant has identified the system to be insufficient.Under 105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.150, residential properties must be equipped with hot water systems that are kept in good working order and capable of delivering water at adequate quantity and pressure to all fixtures that require it. For fixtures other than bathtubs and showers, water temperature must fall between 110°F and 130°F; for bathtubs and showers specifically, the upper limit is reduced to 120°F to reduce scalding risk. When inspectors evaluate compliance, they are directed to assess the system's actual performance, ideally under the conditions and at the times when occupants have reported problems.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to 105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.150 generally maintain hot water heating equipment in continuous good operating condition, ensuring that water pressure and volume are sufficient for all fixtures throughout the building. Compliant operators routinely verify that water heater settings and delivery temperatures stay within the prescribed ranges — no lower than 110°F and no higher than 130°F for most fixtures, and capped at 120°F at bathtubs and showers. Keeping maintenance logs and responding promptly to tenant reports of insufficient hot water can be important, since inspections under this section may be scheduled to coincide with the exact conditions occupants have flagged as problematic.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.150, tenants have a right to hot water delivered at adequate pressure and within specific temperature ranges at all plumbing fixtures in their unit. If hot water is absent, insufficient, or outside the required temperature range, tenants can document the problem — including the times and conditions when it occurs — since inspectors are directed to examine the system under those very circumstances. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the local board of health or housing inspection authority, raising the violation as a defense in relevant housing proceedings, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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