Cal. Civ. Code § 410.620
Conduct of Inspections
Operative Text
(A) At the time of the inspection, the inspector shall record violations of 105 CMR 410.000.
(1) If assistance of a specialized inspector, who is not immediately available, is necessary
to fully complete the inspection report, such report shall be completed to the fullest extent
feasible at the time of the inspection, noting thereon the possible violations for which a
separate inspection by a specialized inspector appears to be necessary.
(2) The need for such separate inspection shall in no way delay the normal processing or
issuing of orders pursuant to 105 CMR 410.640 through 105 CMR 410.680. The board of
health shall use its best efforts to schedule the separate inspection promptly, at a mutually
satisfactory time for all individuals involved.
(3) A copy of 105 CMR 410.000 shall be made available upon request, free of charge or at
a cost which is no greater than the board's own cost for each copy. A copy shall be made
available for review at no cost.
(B) At the beginning of an inspection, an occupant shall be informed of their right to a
comprehensive inspection, and a comprehensive inspection shall be conducted if the occupant
so requests.
(1) Each inspection of a residence shall include at a minimum the condition alleged to be
in violation and those standards listed in 105 CMR 410.630(A).
(2) A violation found in a common area shall be considered a violation which exists in each
dwelling or rooming unit in which occupants have access to that area.
(3) From September 15th through May 31st, if the complaint relates solely to the lack of heat
pursuant to 105 CMR 410.160 or 105 CMR 410.180 and a comprehensive inspection is
requested, the comprehensive inspection will not be required during the lack of heat
investigation but shall be conducted:
(a) Within one business day when violations observed or alleged are violations listed
in 105 CMR 410.630(A); or
(b) Within five business days for all other violations listed in 105 CMR 410.000.
(4) Where an inspection reveals a condition or conditions which present such an imminent
threat to the life, health or safety of the occupants that immediate steps must be taken by the
inspector to order compliance, an inspection required by 105 CMR 410.620(B) may be
delayed until after such steps are taken, but such inspection shall be completed in a timely
manner.
(C) A verbal summary of the conditions noted during the inspection shall be given to the
occupant or the occupant's representative at the conclusion of the inspection. A written summary
shall be provided at the time of the inspection if requested by the occupant or the occupant's
representative.
(D) Pest Inspections. The board of health shall conduct a pest inspection in accordance with
the provisions of 105 CMR 410.620 and include, at a minimum, examination of the areas
relevant to the type of pest:
(1) Insects and Arachnids:
(a) Interior of dwelling or rooming unit;
(b) Common areas adjacent to the dwelling or rooming unit;
(c) All units adjacent to the dwelling or rooming unit where the presence of bed bugs
have been confirmed; and
(d) Exterior perimeter of the residence.
(2) Rodents and Other Unwanted Animal Life:
(a) Interior of dwelling or rooming unit;
(b) Common areas adjacent to the dwelling or rooming unit;
(c) Accessible attics, basements and crawl spaces; and
(d) Exterior perimeter of the residence.
(E) Excess Moisture Inspections.
(1) An inspector who discovers the existence of excess moisture or appearance of mold
during an inspection shall investigate the potential sources. Potential sources of excess
moisture or causes of mold which should be investigated include but are not limited to:
(a) Plumbing leaks;
(b) Structural defects which allow moisture to enter;
(c) Improperly maintained mechanical or natural ventilation; and
(d) Improperly maintained heating, air conditioning or ventilation ductwork.
(2) Environmental testing shall not be required to determine the existence of excess
moisture or appearance of mold. If such testing is conducted, those results shall not be used
as the sole determinant of the existence of excess moisture or appearance of mold.Section 410.620 of 105 CMR 410.000 establishes how local boards of health must conduct housing inspections in Massachusetts. Inspectors are required to record all violations observed, inform occupants of their right to a comprehensive inspection, and provide a verbal summary of findings at the inspection's conclusion. The regulation also sets specific protocols for pest and excess-moisture inspections, and clarifies that a common-area violation is treated as a violation affecting every unit whose occupants have access to that area. When specialized inspectors are needed or imminent safety threats are present, the rule allows for phased completion of the inspection report without halting the normal enforcement process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to 105 CMR 410.000 § 410.620 should understand that a board of health inspector may conduct a comprehensive review of the entire property—not just the area named in a complaint—if an occupant requests one. Compliant operators generally maintain common areas, pest control measures, and moisture/mold controls in good order, since a violation found in a shared space is treated as a violation for every unit with access to it. Keeping records of maintenance activity and being prepared to cooperate with both general and specialized inspections (such as pest or excess-moisture assessments) reflects the standard of operation this regulation anticipates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 105 CMR 410.000 § 410.620, occupants have an explicit right to request a comprehensive inspection at the start of any board of health visit, meaning the inspector must examine more than just the specific complaint. Tenants are also entitled to a verbal summary of all conditions noted at the end of the inspection, and may request a written summary at that time. Those who believe their rights under § 410.620 have not been honored—such as being denied a comprehensive inspection or not receiving a summary—may consider contacting their local board of health or reaching out to 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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