Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 5 11 § 5.11.9
Fines (Brookline Short-Term Rentals)
Operative Text
Any person violating this by-law shall be fined in the amount of $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $300 for the third and any subsequent violations. Each day of a continuing violation during the rental period shall count as a separate violation.
Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 5 11 § 5.11.9 establishes a graduated fine structure for violations of the by-law. A first offense carries a $100 fine, a second offense $200, and a third or any later offense $300. Importantly, each day that a violation continues during a rental period is treated as its own separate violation, meaning fines can accumulate quickly over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5.11.9, property owners and managers in Brookline are expected to promptly correct any condition that could constitute a by-law violation, since each day of non-compliance during a rental period counts as a distinct, separately fineable offense. Compliant operators generally maintain records of corrective actions taken and the dates those actions were completed, which can help demonstrate that a violation was not ongoing. Because fines escalate from $100 to $200 and then to $300 per violation, addressing issues at the first notice is a standard practice among operators seeking to minimize exposure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5.11.9 of Brookline's Code of Bylaws gives tenants a basis to understand that landlords face escalating financial consequences—$100, $200, and then $300 per violation—for each day a by-law violation continues during a tenancy. Tenants who believe a violation is ongoing may document the condition with dated photographs and written communications to establish a timeline. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with the relevant local authority, raising the violation as a defense or counterclaim in housing proceedings, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options under § 5.11.9.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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