Massachusetts § 16A - Certificate of acceptance; effect; recordation

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 16A — Certificate of acceptance; effect; recordation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16A. Certificate of acceptance; effect; recordation

Section 16A. If the rates and charges due to a city, town, municipality, or sewer district, which accepts this section and sections sixteen B to sixteen F, inclusive, and by its clerk, files a certificate of such acceptance in the proper registry of deeds, and files a copy of said certificate with the collector of taxes of the city or town in which the lien hereinafter mentioned is to take effect, for supplying or providing for a sewer system or rendering service or furnishing materials in connection therewith to or for any real estate at the request of the owner or tenant are not paid on or before their due date as established by local regulations, ordinances or by-laws, which due date shall be so established as to require payments at least as often as annually, such rates and charges, together with interest thereon and costs relative thereto, shall be a lien upon such real estate as provided in section sixteen B. The register of deeds shall record such certificate of acceptance in a book to be kept for the purpose, which shall be kept in an accessible location in the registry. Sections sixteen B to sixteen F, inclusive, shall also apply to a sewer district which has accepted sections sixteen A to sixteen F, inclusive, and whose clerk has so filed the certificate of acceptance. Wherever in said sections the words ''board or officer in charge of the sewer department'' or their equivalent appear, they shall also mean and include the officers exercising similar duties in any city, town or district. A fire or water district authorized to provide a sewer system shall, for the purposes of sections sixteen A to sixteen F, inclusive, be deemed to be a sewer district.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 16A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 16A cover?

Section 16A ("Certificate of acceptance; effect; recordation") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 16A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 16A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 16A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.