Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.71 § 8.71.030
Applicability
Operative Text
The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to all Rental Units and housing accommodations in the City of Cambridge, in whole or in part, at the inception of the tenancy and where a notice to quit or other notice of lease nonrenewal or expiration has been served, or should have been served, on the tenant or former homeowner of any such rental unit or housing accommodation as of the effective date of this ordinance, but where any such rental unit or housing accommodation has not yet been vacated or a final order of judgment for possession has not entered as of the effective date of this ordinance. However, the provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to the following types of units: (1) Rental units in any hospital, skilled nursing facility or health facility. (2) Rental units in a nonprofit facility that has the primary purpose of providing short term treatment, assistance or therapy for alcohol, drug or other substance abuse. Short term treatment is treatment meant to last thirty or fewer days where housing is incidental to the recovery program and where the client has been informed in writing of the short term, temporary or transitional nature of the housing at its inception. (3) Short term rental units as set forth in Article 4, Section 4.60 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.71 § 8.71.030 establishes which rental units and housing accommodations fall within the scope of Cambridge's ordinance. Broadly, the ordinance covers rental units citywide, including situations where a notice to quit or lease nonrenewal was served—or should have been served—before the ordinance's effective date, as long as the unit had not yet been vacated and no final judgment for possession had entered. Certain categories are carved out entirely: units in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and health facilities; units in nonprofit short-term substance-abuse treatment programs where housing is incidental and residents are informed of its temporary nature; and short-term rental units as defined under Article 4, Section 4.60 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 8.71 § 8.71.030, operators of rental housing in Cambridge generally assess whether each unit in their portfolio falls within the ordinance's scope before taking any action that the ordinance governs. Compliant operators typically document whether a unit qualifies for one of the three enumerated exemptions—medical facility housing, qualifying nonprofit substance-abuse treatment housing, or short-term rentals under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance—and retain records supporting that classification. Where a notice to quit or nonrenewal was already issued before the ordinance's effective date but the unit remains occupied and no final judgment has entered, operators generally treat that unit as covered by the ordinance's provisions.
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. 8.71 § 8.71.030 means that most tenants renting in Cambridge are protected by this ordinance, including those who had already received a notice to quit or lease nonrenewal before the ordinance took effect, provided they had not yet vacated and no final judgment for possession had been entered against them. Tenants who believe their unit is incorrectly classified as exempt—for instance, as a short-term rental or medical-facility unit—may raise that classification as a relevant issue in any proceeding or complaint process under the ordinance. Tenant-rights organizations in Cambridge can help residents understand whether § 8.71.030's exemptions apply to their housing situation and what avenues exist for raising a coverage dispute.
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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