Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.60 § 8.60.020
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter: A. "Administrative citation" means a notice issued to an owner by the Inspectional Services Department, pursuant to this chapter, which provides a statement of the terms under which the owner may be fined for failure to remedy violations of the State Sanitary Code and a statement of the owner's right to appeal the issuance of the administrative citation and/or fine. B. "Dwelling" means every building or shelter including, but not limited to, roominghouses and temporary housing used or intended for human habitation and every other structure or condition located within the same lot line whose existence causes or is likely to effect noncompliance with the provisions of 105 CMR 410.000. C. "Dwelling unit" means the room or group of rooms within a dwelling used or intended for use by one family or household for living, sleeping, cooking and eating. Dwelling unit shall also mean a condominium unit. D. "Inspectional Services Department" means the legally designated health authority for the City, authorized by Chapter 84 of the Acts and Resolves of 1983, to enforce the State Sanitary Code through the inspection of rental units for violations of the code and the implementation of mechanisms to ensure compliance with repair orders. E. "Occupant" means every person over one year of age living or sleeping in a dwelling or dwelling unit. F. "Owner" means every person who, alone or severally with others: 1. Has legal title to any rental unit, or parcel of land, vacant or otherwise, including a mobile home park; or 2. Has care, charge or control of any dwelling, rental unit, mobile dwelling unit or parcel of land, vacant or otherwise, including a mobile home park, in any capacity including but not limited to agent, executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the holder of legal title; or 3. Is a mortgagee in possession; or 4. Is an agent, trustee or other person appointed by the courts; 5. Is any officer or trustee of the association of unit owners of a condominium; 6. Is a bank or other lending institution in possession as a result of foreclosure; or 7. Is any person who operates a roominghouse. The term "owner" includes landlords and lessors. G. "State Sanitary Code" means the State Sanitary Code, Code of Massachusetts Regulations codified at 105 CMR 400.00 through 419.00, adopted under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Sections 3 and 127A, as it may be amended from time to time.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.60 § 8.60.020 establishes the working vocabulary for the city's rental housing enforcement framework. It defines key terms—such as 'owner,' 'dwelling,' 'dwelling unit,' 'occupant,' and 'administrative citation'—that govern how the chapter's rules are applied. Notably, 'owner' is defined broadly to include not just titleholders but also agents, trustees, mortgagees in possession, condominium association officers, and others who exercise care or control over a property. The 'State Sanitary Code' referenced throughout the chapter refers to the Massachusetts regulations found at 105 CMR 400.00–419.00.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.60 § 8.60.020, the definition of 'owner' extends well beyond the person holding legal title—it encompasses property managers, agents, trustees, condominium association officers, and even lenders who have taken possession through foreclosure. Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone acting in a managerial or control capacity over a rental property understands they may be subject to the chapter's obligations and enforcement mechanisms, including administrative citations issued by the Inspectional Services Department. Because 'dwelling' is also defined broadly to include structures and conditions on the same lot that could affect compliance with 105 CMR 410.000, operators typically account for the full scope of their property when assessing code compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.60 § 8.60.020 defines 'occupant' to include every person over one year of age living or sleeping in a dwelling or dwelling unit, which means the chapter's protections apply broadly to residents regardless of their formal lease status. The provision also clarifies that the Inspectional Services Department is the city's designated authority for enforcing the State Sanitary Code in rental units, making it a key point of contact when housing conditions may be at issue. Tenants who believe conditions in their home may violate 105 CMR 410.000 can generally look to the Inspectional Services Department for inspections, and tenant-rights organizations in Cambridge can help explain how these definitions affect available 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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