Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 51, art. I § 51-6
Enforcement
Operative Text
In accordance with the Massachusetts Acts of 1983, Chapter 527, Section 5, any owner who converts residential property in violation of any provisions of the ordinance, adopted pursuant to the Acts of 1983, Chapter 527 as amended by Chapter 709 of 1989, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment of not less than 60 days. Each unit covered by this ordinance and in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. Any violation of this chapter by an owner of residential property shall not affect the validity of a conveyance of a condominium unit or an interest in a housing cooperative to a purchaser for value who has no knowledge of the violation. The district, superior and housing courts in Essex County shall have jurisdiction over any action arising from any violation of this chapter and shall have jurisdiction in equity to restrain any such violation.
Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 51, art. I § 51-6 establishes the enforcement framework for violations of Salem's condominium conversion ordinance. Owners who convert residential property in violation of the ordinance face a fine of at least $1,000 or imprisonment of at least 60 days, with each affected unit counting as a separate offense. Importantly, a good-faith purchaser who buys a condominium unit or cooperative interest without knowledge of a violation is protected — the sale itself remains legally valid. The district, superior, and housing courts of Essex County hold jurisdiction over violations and can issue equitable relief, including orders to stop ongoing violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 51, art. I § 51-6 should be aware that non-compliant conversions carry serious financial and criminal exposure, with penalties starting at $1,000 per unit or a minimum 60-day imprisonment — and each non-compliant unit treated as a distinct offense. Compliant operators generally ensure that every step of a residential conversion meets the requirements of the ordinance before proceeding, rather than relying on after-the-fact correction. Because Essex County courts can issue equitable orders to halt violations in addition to imposing penalties, operators typically document their compliance process carefully throughout a conversion project.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 51, art. I § 51-6, tenants living in residential properties subject to conversion have the protection of a local ordinance backed by meaningful penalties — fines of at least $1,000 per unit and potential imprisonment — that apply to owners who convert in violation of the rules. Tenants who believe a conversion is proceeding unlawfully may consider raising the violation with Salem's relevant municipal office, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a complaint or action in the district, superior, or housing courts of Essex County is appropriate. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massachusetts condominium conversion law can help clarify which options are available under this provision.
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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