Sunderland, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 104 § 104-3
Requirements (Sunderland Smoke and Heat Detectors)
Operative Text
Apartment houses containing six (6) or more dwelling units, hotels, boarding- or lodging houses or family hotels which are not regulated by MGL c. 148, §§ 26A and 26B , shall be equipped with an automatic smoke or heat detector in each dwelling unit and hallway floor.
Sunderland, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 104 § 104-3 requires that residential buildings with six or more dwelling units—as well as hotels, boarding houses, lodging houses, and family hotels—install automatic smoke or heat detectors in every dwelling unit and on every hallway floor, provided those buildings are not already covered by the state fire-safety provisions of MGL c. 148, §§ 26A and 26B. The rule establishes a baseline detection standard for multi-unit residential properties that fall outside the state statute's scope. Buildings subject to the state law are exempt from this local requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of apartment buildings with six or more units, hotels, boarding houses, lodging houses, or family hotels in Sunderland should confirm whether their property falls under MGL c. 148, §§ 26A and 26B; if it does not, CH. 104 § 104-3 applies and compliant operators generally ensure that functioning automatic smoke or heat detectors are installed in every individual dwelling unit and in every hallway on each floor. Routine inspection and maintenance of these devices is a standard practice for operators seeking to remain in compliance. Documentation of detector installation and testing can support a showing of compliance if questions arise.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Sunderland, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 104 § 104-3, tenants living in qualifying multi-unit buildings that are not covered by the state statute have a right to expect automatic smoke or heat detectors in their dwelling unit and in the hallways of their floor. If detectors appear to be absent or non-functional, tenants may consider contacting the local building or fire department to report a potential code deficiency. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Massachusetts housing law can help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord may not be meeting detector requirements.
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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