Cal. Civ. Code § 410.320
Electrical Service
Operative Text
(A) Temporary Wiring.
(1) No temporary wiring shall be used or made available for use by any owner or occupant.
(2) No owner or occupant shall place wiring under a rug or other floor covering.
(3) No wiring shall extend through a doorway or other opening in a structural element.
(4) Extension cords which connect portable electric appliances or fixtures to outlets and
which have an appropriate size rating for the electrical load shall not be considered
temporary wiring.
(B) Amperage. The electrical service supplying each residence shall be of sufficient amperage
to meet the reasonable needs of the occupants.
(C) Exemption for Residences More than 600 Feet from Electrical Service. The provisions of
105 CMR 410.300, 105 CMR 410.310, and 105 CMR 410.320 regarding the furnishing of
electrical facilities shall apply only if a source of electricity is available from power lines within
600 feet of the residence.Section 410.320 of the Massachusetts Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (105 CMR 410.000) sets rules about how electrical wiring and service must be handled in residential dwellings. Temporary wiring is prohibited for both owners and occupants, and wiring may not be run under rugs, floor coverings, or through structural openings such as doorways. Standard extension cords used to connect portable appliances to outlets are not treated as temporary wiring, provided they are appropriately rated for the electrical load. Additionally, each residence must have electrical service with sufficient amperage to meet occupants' reasonable needs, though these requirements only apply when a power source is available within 600 feet of the dwelling.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties subject to 105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.320 generally ensure that all wiring in their units is permanent and properly installed — no wiring is left under rugs, floor coverings, or routed through doorways or structural openings. Compliant operators also verify that the electrical service supplying each unit carries adequate amperage for the reasonable demands of occupants. Where a property is located more than 600 feet from available power lines, the electrical furnishing requirements under this section and related provisions do not apply.
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. 410.320, tenants have a right to live in a residence where the electrical wiring is safe, permanent, and properly installed, and where the electrical service provides sufficient amperage for reasonable use. If a tenant observes conditions such as wiring run under carpets, through doorways, or otherwise inconsistent with this section, that condition may constitute a violation of the state sanitary code. Tenants can report potential violations to their local board of health, which enforces the Massachusetts Minimum Standards, or may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand 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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