This is for Mass Does a landlord have the right to fix a gas forced heat furnace himself or does he have to have a professional do it?

Answer 1

This is a good question for your local building inspector, because the answer depends on what the landlord plans to do. I asked the chief building inspector for a large Massachusetts city.

If this work involves the fuel delivery system at all (the supply pipe, burners, ignition system), that work must be done by a licensed gasfitter. If it involves changing ducts or flues, the landlord might be able to do that himself, but he should get a building permit. If the work is as simple as changing a filter, anyone can do that, and no permit is required.