Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.110
Failure to comply
Operative Text
If the owner fails to comply with the order to repair, alter, or improve the building or property, and, if the board of health so authorizes, said commissioner of inspectional services may cause such building or property to be repaired, altered, or improved, as provided for under said section 124 of chapter 111 of the General Laws.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.110 establishes a government-initiated remedy when a property owner does not comply with an official order to repair, alter, or improve a building or property. When the Board of Health grants authorization, the Commissioner of Inspectional Services may step in and carry out the required work directly, following the procedures set out in Massachusetts General Laws chapter 111, section 124. The provision essentially creates a backstop enforcement mechanism so that necessary repairs or improvements can proceed even without the owner's cooperation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.110, a compliant property owner generally responds promptly to any repair, alteration, or improvement order before the Board of Health considers authorizing the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to act. Operators who allow orders to go unaddressed risk having the city undertake the work on their behalf under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws chapter 111, section 124, which can carry its own financial and administrative consequences. Maintaining clear records of repair timelines and communications with inspectional services is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.110 is relevant to tenants because it describes a mechanism through which the city itself can compel repairs or improvements when a landlord has failed to act on an official order. Tenants who are aware of unaddressed repair orders may consider contacting the Lawrence Board of Health or the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to inquire about the status of enforcement under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Massachusetts General Laws chapter 111, section 124 can help explain how this enforcement pathway interacts with other housing remedies that may be available.
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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