Cal. Civ. Code § 410.910
Penalties for Interference with Inspections
Operative Text
Any owner, occupant, or other person who refuses, impedes, inhibits, interferes with,
restricts, or obstructs entry and free access to every part of the structure, operation, or premises
where an inspection authorized by this code is sought after a search warrant has been obtained
and presented in accordance with 105 CMR 400.100(C): Interference, shall be fined upon
conviction not less than $10.00 nor more than $500.00.Under 105 Mass. Code Regs. 410.000 § 410.910, any person—whether an owner, occupant, or other party—who blocks or obstructs an authorized housing inspection after a valid search warrant has been obtained and presented may face a criminal fine upon conviction. The fine ranges from a minimum of $10 to a maximum of $500. This provision applies broadly to anyone who interferes with an inspector's access to any part of a structure or premises covered by the state sanitary code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to 105 Mass. Code Regs. § 410.910 generally ensure that inspectors presenting a valid search warrant are given prompt, unobstructed access to all parts of the property. Compliant operators typically train staff and on-site personnel to recognize lawful inspection warrants and to cooperate fully rather than delay or restrict entry. Interference—even unintentional obstruction—can result in a criminal conviction and a fine of up to $500.
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. § 410.910, the obligation not to obstruct a warranted inspection applies to occupants as well as owners, meaning tenants may also be subject to fines upon conviction if they impede an authorized inspector who has presented a valid search warrant. At the same time, tenants retain the right to verify that a proper warrant has been obtained and presented before granting access, consistent with 105 CMR 400.100(C). Tenants who have questions about their rights during an inspection may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general guidance.
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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