Methuen, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 21 § 21-3
Exercise of Police Power
Operative Text
This ordinance shall be deemed an exercise of the Police power of the said City for the protection of public welfare, prosperity, health and peace of its people.
Section 21-3 of Methuen's Fair Housing ordinance establishes the legal foundation for the city's authority to enact and enforce its fair housing rules. By characterizing the ordinance as an exercise of police power, the provision signals that the city is acting to protect the general welfare, health, prosperity, and peace of its residents. This framing gives the ordinance its constitutional grounding under Massachusetts municipal law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 21-3 makes clear that Methuen's fair housing rules carry the full weight of the city's governmental authority, not merely advisory guidance. Operators who understand this foundation generally treat compliance with Chapter 21 as a legal obligation backed by municipal enforcement power. Recognizing the ordinance's police-power basis helps property managers appreciate why violations can trigger formal city action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 21-3 establishes that Methuen's fair housing protections exist specifically to safeguard the welfare, health, and peace of the city's residents — including tenants. This police-power grounding means the ordinance is enforceable by the city as a matter of public interest, not just private contract. Tenants who believe Chapter 21 protections have been violated may explore options such as filing a complaint with the city or consulting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
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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