The Cambridge Consumers' Council works closely with the Housing Inspection Division of the Department of Inspectional Services. Both offices are located in the Lombardi Municipal Building at 831 Massachusetts Avenue next to City Hall.

When tenants complain to us that their landlord is not maintaining their building in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition we turn to this department. Cambridge tenants can certainly contact Inspectional Services directly at 349-6100. Are the newborn mice that joined your household this Spring driving you crazy? Have you reached the end of your patience with the inadequate heating system? Is the condition of garbage and recycling area in your building becoming intolerable? Or, are YOU worried about the safety of the wiring or plumbing conditions? If you are having problems with these matters I would advise speaking with your landlord first. If the matter is still not resolved call for a housing inspector to visit you.

Home owners might also find the Housing Inspection Division helpful. Sometimes owners/landlords need advice as to what the law requires of them as to conditions in their building. Sometimes an owner may want to complain about a poorly maintained vacant lot or dangerous condition near their property. 349-6100 is the number to call.

If you are a home owner and need to hire a contractor to do repairs do not ignore the building permit requirements, thinking you can save a few bucks. When the contractor applies for the building permit, the Inspectional Services Building inspector will make sure that he is properly licensed and, if appropriate, that he is registered with the state so you have rights under the Home Improvement Contractor's Law. The inspector can also intervene if the contractor is not doing the work in conformity with the state codes. The Consumers' Council works in partnership with the Building inspectors when you are being taken advantage of by a home improvement contractor.

If you call Inspectional Services at 349-6100 or the Consumers' Council at 349-6150 an informational pamphlet about the Housing Inspection Division can be mailed to you. Copies are also available at the front desk of the Cambridge Senior Center at 806 Mass. Ave.

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