Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.14 § 15.14.060
Inspections and failed units
Operative Text
Units which fail inspection must submit a compliance plan acceptable to the inspectional services department that will bring the subject rental unit into compliance with the minimum standards for human habitation for a residential dwelling as set forth in the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410), as it may be adopted or amended from time to time. All inspections shall include sworn statements and shall be signed by an inspectional services department sanitary code inspector and building inspector.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.14 § 15.14.060, a rental unit that does not pass inspection cannot simply remain out of compliance — a formal plan must be submitted to the city's inspectional services department outlining how the unit will be brought up to the minimum habitability standards defined by the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410). Every inspection conducted under this provision must be documented with sworn statements and bear the signatures of both a sanitary code inspector and a building inspector from the inspectional services department. The rule ties local enforcement directly to the state sanitary code, which can be updated over time, meaning the applicable standards may evolve.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Lawrence should be aware that under § 15.14.060, a failed inspection triggers a concrete next step: submitting a compliance plan to the inspectional services department that demonstrates how the unit will meet 105 CMR 410 standards. Compliant operators typically document the specific deficiencies identified, develop a realistic remediation timeline, and ensure the plan is accepted by the department before proceeding. Because all inspections must include sworn statements signed by both a sanitary code inspector and a building inspector, maintaining clear records of each inspection and any subsequent correspondence with the department is a practice commonly associated with orderly compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Lawrence rental units have an interest in knowing that § 15.14.060 requires landlords whose units fail inspection to submit an accepted compliance plan aimed at meeting the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) — the unit cannot simply remain in a substandard condition without a documented path to correction. The requirement that inspections be memorialized through sworn statements signed by both a sanitary code inspector and a building inspector means there is an official record of any findings, which tenants may be able to reference. Tenants who believe their unit has habitability issues may consider contacting the Lawrence inspectional services department, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a documented violation under this provision is relevant to any existing housing proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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