Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws art iii d1 § 42-63
Purpose (Fall River Art. III Div. 1: Generally)
Operative Text
The purpose of this article shall be to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of all dwellings and dwelling premises; establishing minimum standards governing utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to make dwellings safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation; fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners, operators and occupants of dwellings and dwelling premises; fixing the conditions whereby certain dwellings may be declared unfit for occupancy and condemned for human habitation; and fixing penalties for violations of the provisions of this article.
Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D1 § 42-63 establishes the overarching purpose of the city's residential housing code. It sets out minimum standards for the physical condition and maintenance of dwellings, covers utilities and essential facilities, and assigns responsibilities to owners, operators, and occupants. The article also creates a framework for declaring dwellings unfit for occupancy and specifies that penalties apply to those who violate its provisions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ART. III D1 § 42-63, Fall River's housing code places affirmative responsibilities on property owners and operators to maintain dwellings in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition. Compliant operators generally ensure that utilities, facilities, and physical conditions in their properties meet the minimum standards the article establishes. Failure to meet those standards can expose an owner or operator to penalties and, in serious cases, a condemnation or unfit-for-occupancy declaration.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
ART. III D1 § 42-63 signals that Fall River's housing code exists specifically to protect the health, safety, and welfare of people living in residential dwellings. Tenants whose units may fall below the minimum standards described in this article can look to the broader code for specific rights and remedies, including the possibility that a dwelling could be formally declared unfit for occupancy. Tenants who believe conditions in their home violate the code may consider contacting the Fall River housing inspection office or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available complaint and enforcement paths.
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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