The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety,
and welfare of the occupants of residential rental units by requiring
the registration of rental properties.
This bylaw is adopted in accordance with the Town's Home
Rule authority under the Massachusetts Constitution. Nothing herein
shall interfere with the independent authority of the Board of Health
to enact its own health and safety regulations with respect to residential
rentals.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
OWNER
Any person who alone or severally with others has legal or
equitable title or a beneficial interest in any dwelling unit; a mortgagee
in possession; or agent, trustee or other person appointed by the
courts.
RENTAL
A residential dwelling or any bedroom within a dwelling rented out for a fee, including apartments, rooming houses, summer worker housing and short-term rentals, but excluding hotels licensed under M.G.L. Chapter
140, § 6; motels licensed under M.G.L. Chapter
140, § 32B; lodging establishments licensed under M.G.L. Chapter
140, § 23, or under any provision of the Orleans Zoning Bylaw.
Each provision of this chapter shall be constructed as separate.
If any part of this chapter shall be held invalid for any reason,
the remainder shall continue in full force and effect. In the event
of a conflict between this chapter and any other chapter of the Orleans
Town Code, this chapter shall control.