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Housing, Nuisance Control & Property Review Team
Related Pages: Inspectional Services » Housing/Health Inspections » Housing & Nuisance Control
Housing/Health Inspections' Housing Office conducts inspections directed toward; the rehabilitation of substandard housing to meet the minimum requirements of the State Sanitary Code for Human Habitation; to ensure that residential units are maintained in a condition that provides decent, safe and sanitary housing; to keep neighborhoods free from rubbish and litter.
Q:
What are the heating requirements for residential dwelling units?
A:
Temperatures must be maintained no less than 68 F degrees from 7 AM to 11 PM and 64 F degrees from 11:01 PM until 6:59 AM from September 15th until June 15th.
Q:
How do I report a no-heat complaint on the weekend?
A:
The number is (508) 929-1300. This phone number is monitored on the weekends.
Q:
How do I report code violations?
A:
A call to our office at (508) 929-1300 will cause an inspection to be made.
Q:
How is a complaint handled?
A:
For an emergency complaint a call is made to the property to fix the violation. If the violation cannot be fixed over the phone a written notice is then sent to the property, with an order to correct any violations within 24 hours. For a complaint that is not an emergency, a written order is sent to the property with an order to correct within in 30 days.
Q:
Should I attempt to speak with my landlord first, or just call in my complaint?
A:
Yes, attempt to speak with your landlord first. You can also call Central Mass Housing Alliance (CMHA) and request their mediation services (508) 791-7265.
Q:
What if I use a non-city trash bags?
A:
The DPW City Sanitation Collectors will not pick up your bag and will sticker your bag remaining at the curb the next day. A Housing Inspector will notify you of the violation by means of a ticket.
Q:
How do I get rid of bulk items?
A:
The DPW&P maintains a by-appointment residential drop-off center. To make an appointment call DPW customer service (508) 929-1300. There is a small fee for disposal. You can also have bulk items picked-up by contracting Casella Waste Management of Massachusetts at (508) 832-2349. There is a fee for this service.
Q:
Are landlords required to provide garbage cans?
A:
Yes, owners shall provide as many receptacles for the storage of garbage and rubbish as are sufficient to contain the accumulation before final collection. The owner must locate these garbage cans so as to be convenient to the tenant and so that no objectionable odors enter any dwelling.
Q:
My yellow garbage bags weren’t picked up, what should I do?
A:
If your trash was not picked up on your regular pick-up day, you can call DPW at (508) 929-1300; they will register your complaint and come pick up your yellow garbage bags.
Q:
The occupants next door are disruptively noisy, whom should I call?
A:
Noise complaints can be made directly to the Worcester Police Department by calling their non emergency Complaint Line (508) 799-8606.
Q:
Does the Housing Section issue building permits?
A:
If a housing inspector asks you to make changes due to a violation, some of the changes may require building permits. Building permits are necessary to ensure that work to be done is designed and constructed in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code and the City of Worcester Inspectional Services Department located at 25 Meade Street, Worcester, MA 01610.
Q:
Where do I find the State Sanitary Code?
A:
You can order a copy of the Code by calling or writing to the Secretary of State Bookstore. The State Bookstores are located at 436 Dwight Street, Room 102, Springfield, MA 01103-1317, (413) 784-1378 and The State House, Room 116, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 727-2834. Also, please see the Sanitary Code II for Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (224KB).
