Massachusetts law requires only smoke/CO detector certificates for all sales. Everything else — FHA flags, Title 5, lead paint deleading — is triggered by how the buyer finances, not by state law. Cash buyers waive all of it.
Massachusetts requires sellers to obtain a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector inspection certificate from the local fire department before closing on any sale — cash or financed. This applies to all sales without exception. The fire department inspects within 30 days of closing. Detectors must meet current standards (interconnected, 10-year sealed battery). Cost: $50–$150 for detectors if needed, plus the inspection fee. This is the only repair a Massachusetts seller is legally required to address for all buyers.
Most of what sellers think of as "required repairs" are actually financing-triggered — they apply when the buyer uses FHA, VA, USDA, or sometimes conventional financing, because the lender's appraisal process flags conditions that don't meet lending standards. Cash buyers are not subject to any of these requirements.
| Item | Required For | Cash Buyer | Cost If Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke / CO detector certificate | ALL sales (Massachusetts law) | Required even for cash sales — local fire dept. issues certificate | $50–$150 for detectors if needed |
| Title 5 septic inspection | All financed sales (lender requirement) | Waived — cash buyers close without Title 5 | $300–$1,000 inspection; $15K–$75K+ if failed |
| Lead paint deleading | Only if child under 6 will occupy | Not required for cash sale — disclosure required | $10,000–$30,000+ |
| Active roof leaks | FHA / VA / USDA buyers (appraisal flag) | Not required for cash sale | $1,500–$15,000+ |
| Peeling paint (pre-1978) | FHA buyers (appraisal flag) | Not required for cash sale | $500–$5,000+ |
| Inoperable HVAC | FHA / VA buyers (appraisal flag) | Not required for cash sale | $2,000–$10,000+ |
| Broken windows / unsafe conditions | FHA / VA buyers (appraisal flag) | Not required for cash sale | $200–$2,000+ per window |
| Visible mold | FHA / VA buyers (appraisal flag) | Not required for cash sale — disclose under MGL Ch. 93A | $500–$30,000+ depending on scope |
| Unpermitted work | Some conventional lenders (underwriting) | Not required for cash sale | Varies widely — retroactive permit or demo |
| Underground oil tank | FHA / VA / conventional (blocks all financing) | Not required for cash sale | $1,500–$5,000 removal; $10K–$100K+ if contaminated |
Cash buyers need only the smoke/CO certificate. No FHA repairs, no Title 5, no deleading, no oil tank removal. Close in 7 days.
Call (401) 396-7427Get Cash Offer →Massachusetts requires a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector certificate from the local fire department for all sales. Beyond that, no MA law forces repairs — but FHA and VA buyers trigger appraisal-based repair requirements, and Title 5 septic is required for all financed sales on private septic.
FHA appraisers apply HUD Minimum Property Standards and flag conditions requiring repair before FHA will insure the loan. Common triggers in Massachusetts: active roof leaks, peeling paint (lead paint hazard), broken windows, inoperable HVAC, visible mold, unsafe electrical, and failed Title 5. Cash buyers have none of these requirements.