Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 312 § 312-4
Agent(s) (Framingham Lodging Houses)
Operative Text
A. If the licensee, because of health, other employment, nonresidence on the premises, frequent or extended absences from the premises or other reasons, is unable to exercise proper supervision of the premises, they shall designate one or more agent(s) to carry out all or part of their responsibilities. The owner of any lodging house that contains 12 or more units shall be required to have an agent residing on the premises. Upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police for reasons of public safety, the Board of License Commissioners may require the owner of a lodging house that contains fewer than 12 units to have an agent residing on the premises. Based on the qualifications of the agent(s) designated and the extent of their responsibilities, the Board of License Commissioners may require that more than one agent be provided. If, for any reason, an agent ceases to exercise their responsibilities, the licensee shall at once notify the Board of License Commissioners and take immediate steps to provide proper interim supervision and obtain a suitable replacement. B. The agent(s) shall be available on a twenty-four-hour basis and must post their telephone or beeper number in a conspicuous place inside the lodging house. The agent must also notify the Mayor's office, Board of License Commissioners, Police Department, Division of Public Health, Fire Department and Inspectional Services Division of his/her beeper or telephone number. [Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025 ]
Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 312 § 312-4 establishes requirements for lodging house licensees to designate agents when they cannot personally supervise their premises. Lodging houses with 12 or more units must have an agent living on-site, and smaller properties may also be required to do so upon a police recommendation for public safety reasons. Any designated agent must be reachable around the clock and must post their contact information prominently inside the lodging house, while also notifying several city departments of that contact information.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 312 § 312-4, compliant lodging house operators ensure that an agent is formally designated whenever the licensee cannot provide direct, continuous supervision of the property. Operators of properties with 12 or more units arrange for that agent to reside on-site, and operators of smaller properties remain prepared to do the same if the Board of License Commissioners so requires. When an agent leaves the role for any reason, a compliant licensee promptly notifies the Board of License Commissioners, arranges interim supervision, and works to secure a qualified replacement without delay; agents also keep their contact number posted visibly inside the building and on file with the Mayor's office, Police Department, Division of Public Health, Fire Department, and Inspectional Services Division.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 312 § 312-4 entitles residents of Framingham lodging houses to have a reachable, responsible agent available at all times, with contact information posted in a visible location inside the building. If a lodging house has 12 or more units and no on-site agent is present, or if an agent's contact information is not posted as required, that may represent a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe these requirements are not being met can document the situation, contact the Framingham Board of License Commissioners or Inspectional Services Division, or reach 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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