Residential Temperature Requirements

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations: 105 CMR 410.180

Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (State Sanitary Code, Chapter II)

410.180: Temperature Requirements

(A)   The owner shall provide heat in every habitable room and every room containing a toilet, shower, or bathtub from September 15 through May 31 so that it shall be: At least 68°F (20°C) between 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M.; and (2)   At least 64°F (17°C) between 11:01 P.M. and 6:59 A.M.

(B)   At no time shall the heating system, required by 105 CMR 410.160(A), used during the heating season cause the temperature to exceed 78°F (25°C) in any room.

(C)   The temperature shall be measured at a height of five feet above floor level on a wall any point more than five feet from the exterior wall.

(D)   A board of health may alter the heating season, as defined in 105 CMR 410.180(A), by ending it no earlier than May 15 or delaying the start date no later than September 30 in athth particular year for all residences within its jurisdiction, by posting notice of such alteration on the municipality's website.  The board of health's decision to alter the heating season shall not be required to conform to the provisions for the granting of a variance required by 105 CMR 410.700.

No Heat 

Tenant's heat should be 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 64 degrees F at night. If landlords don't comply, tenants can call the Board of Health at 781-397-7049 or call 911 during off hours.

Complaints About Oil Dealer's Service

Please contact the Weights and Measures Department at 781-397-7166.