Cal. Civ. Code § 460.600
Concurrent Enforcement Authority, Application of the State Sanitary Code and Emergency
Operative Text
Matters, Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111, § 198
(A) The Director and local boards of health or other code enforcement agencies have concurrent
authority to enforce M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197.
(B) These enforcement authorities may utilize all powers and authority provided to local boards of
health by M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 127A through 127K to enforce M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197.
(C) Any violation of M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197 may be treated as a violation of the State
Sanitary Code. All procedures and remedies applicable to Sanitary Code violations shall be available
to correct, deter or punish violation of said sections.
(D) Violations of M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197 are emergency matters and shall be given
preference by enforcing agencies and speedy hearings by housing, district and superior courts.Section 460.600 of 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 establishes that both the state Director of Public Health and local boards of health share overlapping authority to enforce the lead-paint provisions found in M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197. Any breach of those sections is treated as a violation of the State Sanitary Code, making the full range of Sanitary Code remedies and penalties available. Crucially, such violations are classified as emergency matters, meaning enforcement agencies must prioritize them and courts are required to schedule hearings on an expedited basis.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 460.600, property owners should be aware that both state and local health authorities can independently investigate and act on lead-paint violations under M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197 — meaning a complaint may trigger action from more than one agency simultaneously. Because these violations carry the same remedies as State Sanitary Code infractions, compliant operators typically maintain up-to-date lead inspections, promptly address any identified hazards, and keep documentation readily available. The emergency classification means that enforcement timelines can move quickly, and court proceedings related to these violations are given scheduling priority.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 460.600 of 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 gives tenants the benefit of a broad enforcement framework: both local boards of health and the state Director of Public Health can act on lead-paint violations under M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 196 and 197, so a complaint may be filed with either or both authorities. Because these violations are treated as State Sanitary Code violations, tenants may have access to the full range of Sanitary Code remedies, which can include orders to correct conditions and other legal relief. The emergency designation means that courts are required to prioritize hearings on these matters; tenants seeking to understand their options may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or their municipal board of health.
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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