Section 16. The first justice of a particular housing court may appoint, subject to appropriation and subject to the approval of the chief justice of the housing court department, such number of housing specialists as he may from time to time determine. Said first justice may designate one of them as chief housing specialist for the court. All housing specialists shall hold office at the pleasure of said chief justice, subject, however, to retirement under the provisions of any applicable general or special law relative to retirement systems. All housing specialists shall be knowledgeable in the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of dwelling units; the problems of landlord and tenant as they pertain to dwelling units; the types of funds and services available to assist landlords and tenants in the financing and resolution of such problems; the federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of such units; and the financing and resolution of such problems. The housing specialists shall have such powers and perform such duties as said chief justice shall from time to time prescribe. Every housing specialist shall be sworn by the chief justice of the housing court, who shall, upon administering the oath, forthwith make return of such act with the date thereof to the state secretary.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title I - Title to Real Property
Chapter 185c - Housing Court Department
Section 1 - Housing Court Department; Composition; Definitions
Section 2 - Superior and General Jurisdiction; Presumption; Processes
Section 3 - Concurrent Jurisdiction; Powers of Superior Court Department; Enforcement Authority
Section 5 - Time for Transaction of Business
Section 7 - Rules and Forms of Procedure
Section 8 - Justices; Appointment; Disputes Between Justices and Clerks; Appeals; Removal
Section 8a - Chief Justice Authority and Responsibility
Section 8b - Deputy Court Administrator
Section 9 - Clerks; Appointment; Disputes Between Justices and Clerks
Section 9a - Salaries of Clerks and Assistant Clerks; Practice of Law
Section 12 - Oath of Office of Clerks
Section 14 - Powers and Duties of Clerks
Section 16 - Housing Specialists
Section 17 - Practice of Law by Clerks or Housing Specialists
Section 18 - Recording System; Procurement of Law Books, Stationery, Etc.
Section 19 - Commencement of Proceedings; Fees; Non-Willful Offense Deemed Non-Criminal
Section 20 - Transfer of Civil Actions
Section 21 - Trial Without Jury; Exception; Report of Inspector as Prima Facie Evidence