Massachusetts Community Association Laws
Condominiums (Ch. 183A), Co-ops (Ch. 157B), Manufactured Housing (Ch. 140 §§32A–32S & 940 CMR 10.00), nonprofit & corporate acts (Ch. 180/156D). Reference hub
Massachusetts takes a statute-light approach to HOAs but a robust, court-driven approach to condominiums and manufactured housing. Most single-family HOAs rely on recorded covenants and nonprofit corporate law rather than a dedicated HOA act, while condominiums are governed tightly by Chapter 183A (including a strong lien and detailed governance provisions). Manufactured housing communities are the most regulated, with statewide Attorney General rules under 940 CMR 10.00 layered on top of Chapter 140. There’s no condo or HOA ombudsman; disputes are typically handled through private counsel, ADR, or the courts, with the AG focused mainly on manufactured housing and consumer protection.
At a glance
- HOAs: No comprehensive HOA statute; most are nonprofits under Ch. 180 with powers set by governing documents.
- Condominiums: Ch. 183A (lien priority, bylaws, budgets, trustee powers, assessments).
- Co-ops: Ch. 157B (cooperative housing corporations).
- Manufactured Housing: Ch. 140 §§32A–32S + 940 CMR 10.00 (AG rules); local Boards of Health license communities.
- Corporate form: Ch. 180 (nonprofit) and Ch. 156D (business corporations).
Primary Statutes
Condominiums — Chapter 183A
Unit owners’ organization, powers, liens, bylaws, budgets, insurance, improvements, and governance.
Co-ops — Chapter 157B
Cooperative housing corporations: formation, bylaws, financing, leases, and governance.
Manufactured Housing — Chapter 140, §§32A–32S
Licensing, rules, rent changes, sales/relocation, notice of community sale/lease, enforcement.
Massachusetts Legislature — Ch. 140 (index) ·
DHCD PDF (compiled)
Corporate Acts — Chapters 180 & 156D
Entity law for incorporated associations (formation, meetings, records, directors/officers).
180: Massachusetts Legislature ·
Secretary — Corporations Division
156D: Massachusetts Legislature
Popular Sections (direct links @ Legislature)
Condominiums (Ch. 183A)
Manufactured Housing (Ch. 140)
Administrative Rules (AG — 940 CMR 10.00)
Massachusetts has no condo/HOA rulebook like Florida’s; statewide rules primarily cover manufactured housing.
Community Association Managers — Licensing
Is a state CAM license required?
- No. Massachusetts does not license community/condo association managers statewide.
- Real-estate licensing may apply to brokerage/leasing work (separate from association management).
Helpful Massachusetts resources
Governing Documents & Overlays
- Governing documents: Master Deed & Bylaws (condo), Articles/Bylaws (nonprofit HOAs & co-ops), Rules/Resolutions.
- Federal/state overlays: Fair Housing Act; 940 CMR 10.00 (manufactured housing); state consumer-protection law (G.L. c. 93A).
- Local overlays: Boards of Health license manufactured housing communities; local regulations may apply.
- Conflicts: Statute controls over inconsistent governing docs; seek counsel for interpretation/enforcement.
Who to Contact
Office of the Attorney General
- Consumer Hotline: (617) 727-8400
- File a Consumer Complaint
- AG main page
DHCD / Manufactured Housing
- Guides & contacts (DHCD)
- Local Boards of Health: License & inspect manufactured housing communities.
- Secretary — Corporation Search
Disclaimer
This page is a general reference and not legal advice. Laws and rules change; always verify the current text on the official linked sites and consult qualified counsel for your situation.
Last updated: September 9, 2025