Common Home Inspection Citations

Following are most commonly cited inspection issues resulting in a failed inspection.

• Presence of lead: Owners must be in compliance with Massachusetts Lead Laws and have a valid Letter of Compliance.
• Asbestos material must be in good repair and/or be encapsulated or removed per State Regulations.
• Functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors must be in place per Massachusetts Laws.
• Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room floors must be intact and covered with non-absorbent waterproof material.
• All exterior doors and windows must be weather tight and function as originally designed.
• All kitchen stoves shall be secured by anti-tip devices. All cooking surfaces must be even with of above adjacent counter tops.
• All exposed wood surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms must be painted or sealed and shall be of smooth surfaces so as to easily clean them.
• Units must be free from all rodents, skunks, cockroaches and insect infestation. Inspections will not be conducted with the presence of bedbugs.
• The inspector must have access to inspect the entire basement area.
• Heat must be operational between September 15 and June 15. Hot water must measure between 110-130 degrees.
• A window or working vent fan must be present in each bathroom.
• Handrails are required where there are four or more risers both interior and exterior stairs.
• Hot water heaters and boilers must have pressure relief valves and attached overflow pies extending to within 6” of the floor.
• No doors, interior or exterior, may have double cylinder deadbolts installed or any other locks that require special tools or knowledge to open.