Westfield, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V (2025) § 6-88
Permit required
Operative Text
No person shall rent, lease, let or otherwise contract for the rental of a room or rooms to a person or persons other than members of their family without first obtaining a permit to do so from the superintendent of buildings. For the purposes of this section, the word "family" shall be those persons as set forth in M.G.L.A. c. 65, § 1, Class A, B and C.
Westfield Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V § 6-88 establishes that renting any room or rooms to people who are not family members requires a permit issued by the superintendent of buildings before the rental arrangement begins. The provision defines "family" by reference to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 65, Section 1, Classes A, B, and C, meaning only those relationships that fall within those statutory categories are exempt from the permit requirement. Any rental to someone outside that defined family relationship — regardless of the form the arrangement takes — is covered by this rule.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Westfield Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V § 6-88, operators who rent rooms to non-family occupants generally secure a permit from the superintendent of buildings before any tenancy begins. Compliant landlords verify whether a prospective occupant qualifies as "family" under M.G.L.A. c. 65, § 1, Classes A, B, and C before determining whether a permit is needed. Maintaining documentation of permit status for each rental unit is a common practice among property managers operating under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Westfield Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V § 6-88 means that a landlord renting rooms to non-family tenants is required to hold a valid permit from the superintendent of buildings. Tenants who have reason to believe their landlord is operating without the required permit may contact the Westfield superintendent of buildings to inquire about permit status or file a concern. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Westfield housing regulations can help explain what options may be available when a landlord appears to be out of compliance with 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 November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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