Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 185c - Housing Court Department
Section 16 - Housing Specialists

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

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 4 - Sittings of Court

Section 5 - Time for Transaction of Business

Section 6 - Seal

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 10 - Temporary Clerks

Section 11 - Assistant Clerks

Section 12 - Oath of Office of Clerks

Section 13 - Bond of Clerks

Section 14 - Powers and Duties of Clerks

Section 15 - Court Officers

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

Section 22 - Entry of Judgment or Order

Section 23 - Bond of Receiver