What should I know about inspections?

Updated on: August 19th, 2026

Board of Health housing inspections are free. If you ask for an inspection, you should:

Be prepared. Before the inspection, fill out

the Housing Code Checklist:

www.masslegalhelp.org/Housing-Code-

Checklist

Clean your home. Make sure hallways and

doors are not blocked, and trash is taken out

so you do not get in trouble for Sanitary

Code violations.

Be there. If you cannot be there when the

inspector comes, arrange for someone else to

be there. Leave a note that says this person

has your permission to let the inspector

inspect your home.

Ask for a complete inspection. Ask for

inspection inside your apartment, outside of

the building, and all common areas.

Point out problems. If the inspector misses a

problem, point it out so it’s in the report.

Ask for a copy of the inspector’s report. If

your apartment or building needs serious

repairs, the inspector must send a repair order

to your landlord within 12 hours.

Follow up. If the landlord doesn’t make

repairs by the date and time on the order,

contact the inspector and ask for a re-

inspection.