General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Condominiums are created and governed under General Laws chapter 183A and their master deed and bylaws.
- Unit owners may examine the association's books, records and financial statements at reasonable times.
- Unpaid common charges become a lien on the unit, and a limited number of months of charges can take priority over a first mortgage.
Massachusetts condominiums are governed by General Laws chapter 183A, which gives associations a lien for unpaid common charges and lets unit owners review association records.
Massachusetts hoa laws at a glance
| Rule | Massachusetts | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Condominiums are created and governed under General Laws chapter 183A and their master deed and bylaws. | G.L. c.183A |
| Owner access to records | Unit owners may examine the association's books, records and financial statements at reasonable times. | Condominium law (G.L. c.183A) |
| Assessments and liens | Unpaid common charges become a lien on the unit, and a limited number of months of charges can take priority over a first mortgage. | Condominium law (G.L. c.183A) |
The governing law
Association rules come in layers: state law first, then the declaration, the bylaws and finally board rules. A rule that conflicts with a higher layer usually fails.
Governing law. Condominiums are created and governed under General Laws chapter 183A and their master deed and bylaws. (G.L. c.183A)
Records
Owner access to records. Unit owners may examine the association's books, records and financial statements at reasonable times. (Condominium law (G.L. c.183A))
Board meetings
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Assessments, liens and collections
Assessments and liens. Unpaid common charges become a lien on the unit, and a limited number of months of charges can take priority over a first mortgage. (Condominium law (G.L. c.183A))
Rental restrictions
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Mistakes to avoid
- Holding board decisions without the notice owners are entitled to.
- Not keeping records ready for owner requests.
- Fining owners without the notice and hearing steps in the governing documents.
- Enforcing rental rules that are not in the recorded documents.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Massachusetts rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Massachusetts attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- G.L. c.183A
- Condominium law (G.L. c.183A)
Official sources
Massachusetts forms for this topic
Where landlords trip up.
Which law governs HOAs in Massachusetts?
Condominiums are created and governed under General Laws chapter 183A and their master deed and bylaws. Source: G.L. c.183A.
Can Massachusetts homeowners see association records?
Unit owners may examine the association's books, records and financial statements at reasonable times. Source: Condominium law (G.L. c.183A).