Cheshire, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 155 § 155-2
Definitions (Cheshire Mobile Home Parks)
Operative Text
A. For the purpose of this bylaw, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein, unless the context in which they are used clearly requires a different meaning. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Any substantial rehabilitation, addition or improvement which appreciably adds to the value of the property or prolongs its life, or both, but not including ordinary maintenance and repairs. MOBILE HOME A dwelling unit built on a chassis and containing complete electrical, plumbing and sanitary facilities, and designed to be installed on a temporary or a permanent foundation for permanent living quarters, but shall not include modular homes set upon permanent foundations. MOBILE HOME PARK A park licensed by the Board of Health pursuant to MGL c. 140, § 32B . RENT BOARD and BOARD The Mobile Home Rent Control Board as established herein. RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board. B. "Shall" is mandatory; "may" is permissive.
Section 155-2 of Cheshire's mobile home rent control bylaw establishes the working definitions for key terms used throughout the chapter. It distinguishes concepts such as 'capital improvement' (substantial work that adds value or extends property life, excluding routine maintenance) from ordinary upkeep, and defines what qualifies as a 'mobile home' and a 'mobile home park' under local licensing rules. The section also clarifies that 'shall' carries mandatory force while 'may' signals discretion, a distinction that governs how all other provisions in the bylaw are interpreted.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of mobile home parks in Cheshire should be familiar with the definitions in CH. 155 § 155-2, as they determine how the bylaw applies to day-to-day operations. For example, whether a project qualifies as a 'capital improvement' versus ordinary maintenance can affect what costs may be considered in rent-related proceedings before the Mobile Home Rent Control Board. Compliant operators generally keep records that clearly distinguish substantial rehabilitation or additions from routine repairs, in line with the definitions established in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
As a mobile home park resident in Cheshire, understanding the definitions in CH. 155 § 155-2 is foundational to knowing your rights under the broader rent control bylaw. Terms like 'capital improvement' and 'mobile home park' shape how the Mobile Home Rent Control Board evaluates rent-related matters, including what justifications a park owner may raise. Tenants who believe a term is being applied incorrectly may raise that concern before the Rent Board or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massachusetts mobile home park law.
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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