Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws art v rodents § 34-285
Inspection of premises; notice of infestation (Fall River Art. V Control of Rodents and Other Vermin)
Operative Text
[Amended 7-15-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-40 ] A. It shall be the duty of the Board of Health, through the Health and Human Services Division, to cause an inspection of any premises in the City which it has good reason to believe are not in a ratproof condition. B. If such premises are found to be vermin-infested or rat-infested, a notice in writing, bearing the date of issue and signed by the Board of Health or Health and Human Services Division, shall be served upon such owner or occupant. Such notice shall state the condition of such premises and the required corrections. C. Any such notice may be served by any employee of the Health and Human Services Division or Police Department or may be served by depositing the notice, enclosed in a postpaid envelope addressed to the person to be notified, in the post office of the City.
Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws Art. V § 34-285 establishes a process by which the Board of Health, acting through the Health and Human Services Division, may inspect any property it has reasonable grounds to believe is not ratproof. If an inspection reveals a vermin or rat infestation, the Board must issue a formal written notice to the owner or occupant describing the conditions found and the corrections required. That notice can be delivered in person by a Health and Human Services Division employee or police officer, or sent by prepaid mail to the person responsible.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws Art. V § 34-285, property owners and managers who receive a written notice of infestation from the Board of Health or Health and Human Services Division should treat it as an official record requiring documented corrective action. Compliant operators generally keep properties in a ratproof condition to avoid triggering an inspection in the first place, and they maintain records of pest-control measures taken. When a notice is issued, it will specify the exact conditions and required corrections, giving the owner or occupant a clear baseline for remediation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws Art. V § 34-285 gives tenants a basis to request that the Board of Health or Health and Human Services Division inspect a rental unit they believe is not ratproof or is vermin-infested. If an inspection confirms an infestation, the Division is required to issue a written notice to the owner or occupant detailing the problem and the corrections needed, creating an official record of the condition. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may consider contacting the Fall River Health and Human Services Division directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand 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.
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