Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 113 § 113-5
Violations and penalties (Dennis Housing Space and Use)
Operative Text
A. Any person found in violation of any provision of this bylaw shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200.) in accordance with the following schedule of fines, and each day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense: (1) For the first offense, the fine shall be fifty dollars ($50.) or a warning at the discretion of the enforcement officer. (2) For second offense, one hundred dollars ($100.). (3) For the third and subsequent offenses, two hundred dollars ($200.). B. Notice of violation and procedure shall be in accordance with M.G.L.A. C. 40, § 21D (Noncriminal disposition).
Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 113 § 113-5 establishes a tiered fine structure for violations of the town's rental bylaw. Fines range from a warning or $50 for a first offense up to $200 for a third or subsequent offense, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Notices of violation and the overall enforcement process follow the noncriminal disposition procedure set out under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 113 § 113-5, property owners and managers in Dennis are expected to promptly correct any bylaw violations to avoid escalating daily fines. A compliant operator generally responds to a first-offense notice—whether a warning or a $50 fine—by addressing the underlying issue before it carries over into subsequent days or repeat offenses, where fines rise to $100 and then $200 per day. Familiarity with the noncriminal disposition process under M.G.L.A. C. 40, § 21D is useful for understanding how notices are issued and how violations may be resolved.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 113 § 113-5 provides a structured enforcement mechanism that tenants can reference when a landlord's property is out of compliance with Dennis's rental bylaw. Because each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate offense, documented ongoing conditions may accumulate fines against a non-compliant property owner. Tenants who believe a violation exists may contact the relevant Dennis enforcement office to inquire about the noncriminal disposition process under M.G.L.A. C. 40, § 21D, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation