Housing
Rental Unit Inspections
The City of Beverly requires property owners to have rental housing units inspected by Health Department inspectors prior to occupancy/re-occupancy. Please call 978-921-8591 to schedule an inspection. Change of Occupancy Permits
Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts holds minimum standards for human habitation (updated 5/2023). Read more here.
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Helpful links
Know Your Tenant Rights! Legal Remedies for Tenants of Residential Housing
Notice of Occupants' Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Submetering of Water and Sewer Certification Form
Read more about your rights as a tenant in Massachusetts. Have questions? Call the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy line: (617) 727-8400
North Shore Community Action Programs
What To Do When The Heat Goes Off?
Free or Low Cost Legal Advice:
Neighborhood Legal Services, Lynn 781-7730
North Shore Community Action Program (NSCAP), Peabody 978-531-0767
Salem Housing Court 978-825-4920
Mass. Board of Bar Overseers, Boston 617-728-8700 (ask for referral to pro bono attorneys)
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MOLD:
The Beverly Health Department/Board of Health does NOT test for mold. The Health Department cannot order an owner to require testing as mold affects everyone differently and there are no state or federal standards for mold.
Click here for Mold and Moisture in your home
Guidance on Excess Moisture Control and Mold – Occupants Fact Sheet
Guidance on Excess Moisture Control and Mold – Owners Fact Sheet
ASBESTOS:
Regulations regarding the proper demolition, renovation, handling, transport and disposal of asbestos containing materials are written by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 310 CMR 7.15.
A list of licensed asbestos contractors can be found on the Mass Department of Labor Standards Website
A listing of past and present asbestos remediation projects can be found on the Mass Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs Website
LEAD:
Do You Rent Your Home? Look out for Lead!
Click here for licensed Lead Determinators