Massachusetts § 199B - Exemptions from Secs. 189A to 199A

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 199B — Exemptions from Secs. 189A to 199A, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 199B. Exemptions from Secs. 189A to 199A

Section 199B. The provisions of sections one hundred and eighty-nine A to one hundred and ninety-nine A, inclusive, shall not apply to any dwelling unit having fewer than two hundred and fifty square feet of floor space calculated on the basis of total habitable room area or which is used as a rooming house; provided, that no person occupying said dwelling unit may be less than six years of age.

For the purpose of this section, ''rooming house'' shall mean every dwelling or part thereof which contains one or more rooming units in which space is let or sublet for compensation by the owner or operator to four or more persons not within the second degree of kindred to the person compensated. Boarding houses, hotels, inns, lodging houses, dormitories and other similar dwelling places shall be included, and ''rooming units'' shall mean the room or group of rooms let to an individual or household for use as living and sleeping quarters.

Sections one hundred and eighty-nine A to one hundred and ninety-nine A, inclusive and this chapter shall not apply to any unit for which a lease, rental, occupancy or tenancy is of thirty-one days or less in duration, which lease, rental or occupancy is for vacation or recreational purposes; provided, however, that said dwelling unit has no peeling or chipping paint, and the tenant has received the appropriate lead paint disclosure notification pursuant to regulations promulgated by the department of public health.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 199B

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 199B cover?

Section 199B ("Exemptions from Secs. 189A to 199A") 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 § 199B?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 199B" (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 § 199B 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.