Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 242 § 242-1
Emergency order of condemnation (Dennis Housing)
Operative Text
An emergency order of condemnation and posting of the same shall follow when an inspection is made by an agent or representative of the Board of Health and upon determination by said agent or representative that the dwelling or any part thereof and/or premises is a source of filth and may be detrimental to the health, safety, comfort or convenience of the tenants or to the general public. The agent or representative may order emergency condemnation and posting of said dwelling or premises.
Under Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 242 § 242-1, a Board of Health agent or representative who inspects a dwelling and determines it poses a health or safety risk — including being a source of filth or a hazard to tenants or the general public — has the authority to issue an emergency order of condemnation and post notice on the property. This provision applies to the entire dwelling or any portion of it, as well as the surrounding premises. The emergency condemnation process can be triggered by a single inspection finding without requiring a prior warning or extended review period.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 242 § 242-1 should be aware that a Board of Health representative can act swiftly to condemn and post a dwelling if sanitary or safety conditions are found to be deficient during an inspection. Operators who maintain clean, hazard-free premises and address maintenance issues proactively are generally better positioned to avoid the emergency condemnation process. Keeping records of routine inspections, cleaning schedules, and repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with health and safety standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 242 § 242-1, tenants who believe their dwelling or any part of the premises is a source of filth or poses a health or safety risk may have grounds to request an inspection by the Dennis Board of Health. If an agent or representative confirms the conditions meet the threshold for emergency condemnation, they have the authority to issue an order and post notice on the property. Tenants can also reach out to local tenant-rights organizations or consult with a housing attorney to understand what options may be available when living conditions raise concerns under this provision.
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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