By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) The Greenfield Health Department is reminding landlords and tenants a new sanitary code that goes into effect April 1st. The new Massachusetts Sanitary Code was approved by the state Public Health Council in October, replaces the sanitary code that has been in place since 2007.
Under the new code, landlords must perform inspections for insects and wildlife for any new tenancy and check for damp areas that could lead to mold growth. Changes have been made to lighting and kitchen requirements including requiring a refrigerator with freezer unless explicitly saying the tenant must provide one in the lease and closets without sufficient lighting from the room must have their own light.
“The Health Department and Board of Health felt it was important to remind tenants and landlords of these changes, so that people are aware of their rights and the expectations under the new code,” said Health Director Jennifer Hoffman. “As we conduct inspections, we will put an emphasis on education.”
Read more about the changes here.