Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 5 5 § 5.5.3
Definition of terms (Brookline Fair Housing By-Law)
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AGE Includes any duration of time since an individual's birth of greater than 40 years. COMMISSION The Town's Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations, its agents and employees. DISABILITY Which includes the term "handicap," is any person's physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or is regarded as having such an effect or having had such an effect. DISCRIMINATE To design, promote, implement or carry out any policy, practice or act which by design or effect segregates, separates, distinguishes or has a disproportionate impact on one or more members of Brookline protected classes. HOUSING ACCOMMODATION Any building or structure or portion thereof or any parcel of land, developed or undeveloped, which is occupied or to be developed for occupancy as the home, or residence for one or more persons. PERSON One or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and the Town of Brookline and all boards, commissions, offices, and agencies thereof.
Section 5.5.3 of Brookline's Code of Bylaws establishes the foundational vocabulary for the town's fair housing chapter. Key terms such as 'age,' 'disability,' 'discriminate,' 'housing accommodation,' and 'person' are each given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. Notably, 'age' is defined to cover individuals older than 40, and 'discriminate' encompasses not only intentional acts but also policies or practices that have a disproportionate impact on protected classes. The Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations is identified as the body responsible for administering these provisions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Brookline should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 5.5.3, as these terms shape the scope of the town's fair housing obligations. Because 'discriminate' under this section includes policies or practices with a disproportionate impact—not just intentional bias—compliant operators generally review their tenant-selection criteria, advertising, and operational rules to ensure they do not produce such effects. 'Housing accommodation' is defined broadly to cover buildings, portions of structures, and even undeveloped parcels intended for residential use, meaning these definitions may apply across a wide range of property types.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5.5.3 provides the definitional framework that underpins Brookline's fair housing protections, and understanding these terms can help residents recognize when a landlord's policy or practice may fall within the chapter's reach. Because 'discriminate' is defined to include acts with a disproportionate impact on protected classes—not only overt, intentional conduct—a broader range of housing practices may be covered than tenants might expect. Individuals who believe they have experienced treatment that implicates these definitions may consider contacting the Brookline Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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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