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MA S1137
Bill
AI Summary
- Creates a rebuttable presumption that smoking is occurring in a rental unit if any smoke detector has been removed, covered, disabled, or if the renter refuses a third-party inspection of detectors
- Requires landlords to prove smoke detectors were present and working at the start of tenancy through documentation such as condition statements, signed photographs, or pre-occupancy inspections
- Mandates courts rule in favor of landlords in smoking-related eviction cases where the presumption is not rebutted and a written no-smoking lease agreement exists
- Awards attorneys' fees and court costs to the prevailing party in smoking-related housing cases
- Requires local boards of health, inspectional services, or fire departments to conduct smoke detector inspections within 3 business days upon request, with fees charged to landlords
Legislative Description
Preventing fires and secondhand smoke in non-smoking rental housing
Last Action
Accompanied a study order, see S2930
1/29/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/27/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available