Cal. Civ. Code § 1
Definitions
Operative Text
Section 1. The following words, as used in this chapter unless the text otherwise requires or a different meaning is specifically required, shall mean— (a) ''Person'' shall include, where applicable, natural persons, corporations, trusts, partnerships, incorporated or unincorporated associations, and any other legal entity. (b) ''Trade'' and ''commerce'' shall include the advertising, the offering for sale, rent or lease, the sale, rent, lease or distribution of any services and any property, tangible or intangible, real, personal or mixed, any security as defined in subparagraph (k) of section four hundred and one of chapter one hundred and ten A and any contract of sale of a commodity for future delivery, and any other article, commodity, or thing of value wherever situate, and shall include any trade or commerce directly or indirectly affecting the people of this commonwealth. (c) ''Documentary material'' shall include the original or a copy of any book, record, report, memorandum, paper, communication, tabulation, map, chart, photograph, mechanical transcription, or other tangible document or recording, wherever situate. (d) ''Examination of documentary material'', the inspection, study, or copying of any such material, and the taking of testimony under oath or acknowledgment in respect of any such documentary material.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 1 establishes the foundational vocabulary for Massachusetts's consumer protection statute by defining four key terms. 'Person' is defined broadly to cover virtually any legal actor, not just individuals. 'Trade and commerce' sweeps in a wide range of economic activity—including the renting or leasing of property—that touches Massachusetts residents, while 'documentary material' and its 'examination' define the scope of records and investigative processes relevant to the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Because Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 1 defines 'trade and commerce' to include the offering for rent or lease of real property, landlords and property managers operating in Massachusetts generally fall within the chapter's reach. Compliant operators typically maintain organized records—leases, communications, payment histories—that could qualify as 'documentary material' under this section. Understanding that this definitional provision sets the stage for the chapter's unfair-or-deceptive-practices standards helps operators appreciate why routine rental activity is subject to c. 93A obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 93A § 1 is significant for tenants because its broad definition of 'trade and commerce' means that a landlord's rental activities are generally covered by the chapter's consumer protection framework. This foundational provision underpins tenants' ability to raise c. 93A claims—such as unfair or deceptive practices—in disputes over housing. Tenants who believe a landlord's conduct may violate the chapter can explore options such as contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a rent board where applicable to understand how these definitions connect to potential remedies.
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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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