Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.100
Covenant for new contracts—Existing contracts
Operative Text
A. Any contract entered into by the City or the Cambridge Schools, or any of their agencies, departments or subdivisions shall contain a covenant by the contractor and their subcontractors not to violate this chapter. Breach of this covenant shall be regarded as a material breach of the contract. B. This section shall not impair the obligation of any presently existing contract.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.100 establishes that new contracts entered into by the City of Cambridge or Cambridge Schools must include a promise—called a covenant—by contractors and their subcontractors to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of Chapter 2.76. If a contractor or subcontractor breaks that promise, the violation is treated as a material breach of the contract, which is among the most serious types of contract failures. Importantly, the provision does not reach back to alter or void contracts that were already in place before this rule took effect.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While § 2.76.100 is primarily directed at contractors doing business with the City of Cambridge or Cambridge Schools rather than residential landlords, property owners who serve as contractors or subcontractors in city-related work generally ensure that their contracts include the required Chapter 2.76 covenant. Compliant operators review new municipal or school contracts for this covenant language before signing and confirm that any subcontractors they engage are similarly bound. Contracts predating this provision are not affected by its requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Although § 2.76.100 focuses on the contractual obligations of city and school contractors rather than the landlord-tenant relationship directly, tenants who believe a contractor working under a City of Cambridge or Cambridge Schools agreement has violated Chapter 2.76 may have grounds to raise that concern with the relevant city agency or department overseeing the contract. Tenants can also reach out to local tenant-rights organizations for guidance on how the broader protections of Chapter 2.76 may apply to their situation. Because this provision treats a covenant violation as a material breach of contract, it can carry significant consequences within the city's contracting process.
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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