Cal. Civ. Code § 410.170
Venting
Operative Text
(A) All devices that combust fuel including, but not limited to, furnaces, boilers, wood stoves,
pellet stoves, water heaters and space heaters permitted under 105 CMR 410.160, shall be
properly vented to the outdoors in compliance with accepted standards as defined in 105 CMR
410.010 except unvented propane or natural gas-fired space heaters approved in accordance with
527 CMR 1.00: Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.
(B) All electric and gas clothes drying equipment shall be vented to the outdoors except electric
dryers listed and labeled as ventless by the manufacturer.
(C) All electric hoods for ranges shall be vented to the outdoors, except electric hoods listed
and labeled as ductless or recirculating by the manufacturer.Massachusetts regulation 105 CMR 410.170 establishes venting requirements for fuel-burning appliances, clothes dryers, and range hoods in residential dwellings. Fuel-combusting devices such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and space heaters must be vented to the outdoors in accordance with accepted standards, with a narrow exception for certain approved unvented propane or natural gas space heaters. Gas and electric clothes dryers must also vent to the outdoors unless the dryer is manufacturer-labeled as ventless, and electric range hoods must vent to the outdoors unless labeled by the manufacturer as ductless or recirculating.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties subject to 105 CMR 410.170 generally ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are connected to proper exterior venting systems that meet accepted standards, and that any unvented space heaters on the premises carry the required approval under the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. Compliant operators also verify that gas and electric dryers discharge exhaust to the outdoors, and that electric range hoods are ducted to the exterior — unless the specific equipment carries a manufacturer label designating it as ventless, ductless, or recirculating. Routine inspections of venting connections, ductwork, and appliance labels help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 105 CMR 410.170, tenants in Massachusetts residential units have a right to properly vented fuel-burning appliances, clothes dryers, and range hoods, as improper or missing venting can pose serious health and safety risks. If a tenant believes an appliance in their unit lacks required exterior venting or that an unvented space heater does not carry the proper approval, they may consider contacting their local board of health, which is the primary enforcement body for the state Sanitary Code, to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how a violation of 105 CMR 410.170 might be raised in housing court or used as a basis for other remedies available under Massachusetts law.
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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