Orleans, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 132 § 132-3
Definitions (Orleans Registration of Rental Properties)
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: OWNER Any person who alone or severally with others has legal or equitable title or a beneficial interest in any dwelling unit; a mortgagee in possession; or agent, trustee or other person appointed by the courts. RENTAL A residential dwelling or any bedroom within a dwelling rented out for a fee, including apartments, rooming houses, summer worker housing and short-term rentals, but excluding hotels licensed under M.G.L. Chapter 140 , § 6 ; motels licensed under M.G.L. Chapter 140 , § 32B ; lodging establishments licensed under M.G.L. Chapter 140 , § 23 , or under any provision of the Orleans Zoning Bylaw. RENTAL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATION The form to be filed with the Orleans Assessor's office pursuant to § 132-4A , as approved by the Select Board.
Orleans, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 132 § 132-3 establishes the core definitions that govern the town's rental registration framework. The term 'Owner' covers anyone holding legal, equitable, or beneficial interest in a dwelling unit, including court-appointed agents and trustees. 'Rental' broadly includes apartments, rooming houses, summer worker housing, and short-term rentals, while carving out hotels, motels, and lodging establishments licensed under specific provisions of Massachusetts General Law or the Orleans Zoning Bylaw. 'Rental Registration Certification' refers to the official form filed with the Orleans Assessor's office under § 132-4A.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 132 § 132-3, property owners in Orleans should be aware that the definition of 'Owner' is broad enough to encompass not just titleholders but also mortgagees in possession, agents, and court-appointed trustees, meaning registration obligations can attach to various parties with an interest in a dwelling. Operators of apartments, rooming houses, summer worker housing, and short-term rentals generally fall within the defined scope of 'Rental' and should assess whether their property type is covered or excluded. Those managing properties that may qualify as hotels, motels, or licensed lodging establishments under the referenced Massachusetts statutes or the Orleans Zoning Bylaw should verify whether their specific license type places them outside the chapter's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 132 § 132-3 sets out who qualifies as an 'Owner' and what types of housing count as a 'Rental' under Orleans's registration rules, which can be relevant context for tenants living in apartments, rooming houses, summer worker housing, or short-term rentals. Understanding these definitions can help tenants determine whether their housing arrangement falls within the chapter's coverage and whether their landlord is subject to the associated registration requirements. Tenants who have questions about how these definitions apply to their living situation may find it useful to consult the Orleans Assessor's office or a local tenant-rights organization familiar with Orleans bylaws.
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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