Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. XI § 7-282
Applicability
Operative Text
The provisions of this article shall apply to all rental units and housing accommodations in the City of Somerville, in whole or in part, where (1) a landlord and tenant have entered into a new tenancy as described in section 7-283 (1) below; or (2) a notice to quit or other notice of lease nonrenewal or expiration has been served, or should have been served, on the tenant or former homeowner of any such rental unit or housing accommodation as of the effective date of this ordinance, but where any such rental unit or housing accommodation has not yet been vacated or a final order of judgment for possession has not entered as of the effective date of this ordinance. However, the provisions of this article shall not apply to the following types of units: (1) Rental units in any hospital, skilled nursing facility or health facility. (2) Rental units in a nonprofit facility that has the primary purpose of providing short term treatment, assistance or therapy for alcohol, drug or other substance abuse. Short term treatment is treatment meant to last 30 or less days where such housing is incidental to the recovery program and where the client has been informed in writing of the short term, temporary or transitional nature of the housing at its inception.
Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. XI § 7-282 establishes which rental units and housing accommodations fall under the protections of this article. Coverage extends to units where a new tenancy has been formed as defined in § 7-283(1), as well as units where a notice to quit or lease nonrenewal was served—or should have been served—before the ordinance took effect, so long as the unit had not yet been vacated and no final judgment for possession had entered. Certain unit types are carved out entirely, including those in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, health facilities, and qualifying nonprofit short-term substance-abuse treatment programs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. XI § 7-282, operators of most Somerville rental units should treat this article as applicable unless a specific exemption clearly applies. Landlords managing units in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or nonprofit short-term substance-abuse programs generally confirm in writing that the housing is temporary or transitional at the outset of any such arrangement. Operators uncertain whether a unit qualifies for an exemption typically review the ordinance's definitions carefully before assuming coverage does not apply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. XI § 7-282 broadly covers most Somerville rental units, meaning tenants in standard residential housing generally fall within this article's protections. Tenants who received a notice to quit or nonrenewal notice before the ordinance took effect may still be covered if they have not vacated and no final judgment has entered. Tenants unsure whether their unit qualifies can review the ordinance, contact Somerville's rent board, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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