Georgetown, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 457 § 457-4
Turnoff of utilities (Georgetown Rental Occupancy)
Operative Text
After inspection of the vacant premises by the Board of Health or its agent, all public utilities servicing said vacant premises may be ordered turned off by the Board of Health or its agent until such dwelling unit, apartment or tenement is certified as being fit for human habitation.
Under Georgetown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 457 § 457-4, the Board of Health or its authorized agent has the authority to order public utilities shut off at a vacant dwelling unit, apartment, or tenement following an inspection of those premises. Utilities must remain off until the unit is officially certified as fit for human habitation. This rule applies to vacant residential properties and is triggered by the inspection process, not by occupancy status alone.
Plain English — not legal advice.
CH. 457 § 457-4 gives the Georgetown Board of Health the power to cut off public utilities at vacant residential properties that fail to meet habitability standards. Operators of vacant units generally ensure that properties are maintained in a condition that would pass a Board of Health inspection, since a utility shutoff order can remain in effect until a formal certification of habitability is issued. Keeping records of maintenance, repairs, and any prior inspections can help demonstrate a property's compliance status.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under CH. 457 § 457-4, the Georgetown Board of Health serves as the enforcement body with authority to inspect vacant units and order utility shutoffs when a property is not fit for human habitation. If you are aware of a vacant unit in poor condition, you may contact the Georgetown Board of Health to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Massachusetts housing law can help explain how habitability certifications work and what options may be available in a given situation.
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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