Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 5 5 § 5.5.2
Exercise of police power (Brookline Fair Housing By-Law)
Operative Text
This by-law shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the Town for the protection of the public welfare, prosperity, health and peace of its people.
Section 5.5.2 of Brookline's Code of Bylaws establishes the legal foundation for the town's rent regulation framework by classifying it as an exercise of the municipality's police power. This designation means the bylaw is grounded in the town's authority to protect the general welfare, health, prosperity, and peace of its residents. Such a classification is a standard legal mechanism used to affirm a local government's constitutional basis for enacting regulatory measures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5.5.2, Brookline's rent regulation bylaw carries the full weight of the town's police power authority, meaning it is not merely advisory but a binding exercise of local governmental power. Operators who understand this foundational provision recognize that compliance with the broader rent regulation framework is rooted in a strong legal mandate tied to public welfare. Familiarity with this grounding helps property managers appreciate why the town treats enforcement of related provisions seriously.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5.5.2 affirms that Brookline's rent regulations exist to protect the welfare, health, prosperity, and peace of town residents — including tenants. This legal foundation means the bylaw carries significant governmental authority, which can be relevant context when raising tenant protections in disputes or complaints. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Brookline's regulatory framework can help residents understand how this foundational provision supports the broader set of protections available under the bylaw.
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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