Tips for residents in advance of September 1 move-in

BOSTON - Thursday, August 29, 2019 - In an effort to streamline the move-in process, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today issued general information and tips for new and current residents in advance of September 1, when 70 percent of leases begin in Boston. 

"I am thrilled to welcome new residents and students to the City of Boston, and encourage all residents to take advantage of what the city has to offer," said Mayor Walsh. "From our vibrant cultural scene, to our walkable neighborhoods, there is truly something for everyone here. Thank you for choosing Boston as your new home. We are excited to have you here."

Mayor Walsh has implemented the following strategies to make the September 1 move-in process a smoother and more efficient experience for all residents: 

• Residents are encouraged to use Boston 311 to report non-emergency issues. A special "Student Move-In" section has been added to facilitate the reporting of move-in issues. Boston 311 is available through several different platforms, including:

  • Mobile: download the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android

  • Online:Boston.gov/311

  • Social media: tweet at @BOS311

  • Phone: Boston 311 can be accessed anywhere within City limits from both landlines and cellphones. Dial 3-1-1 (for those with VoIP and for calls from outside Boston, please dial 617-635-4500)

• Neighborhood liaisons from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) will be on-site in various neighborhoods to assist residents with questions or concerns.

• The Department of Public Works is encouraging landlords to help inform residents when and how to place out trash and recyclables. More information on neighborhood-specific information is available on the City's TrashDay app. New residents are also encouraged to Recycle Right by learning what items you Can and Can't place into the recycling bin. 

• The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will deploy a team of housing, building and environmental inspectors to monitor the neighborhoods, provide information to new residents, and conduct on-the-spot inspections of move-in conditions over the weekend. ISD constituent services liaisons will also be available to provide information.

In addition to these initiatives, new residents and movers are encouraged to review the following information to prepare for their moving day:

Temporary Traffic and Parking Restrictions

The student move-in process at Boston's colleges and universities will impact local streets and parking. Temporary traffic and parking restrictions will be in place from August 26 through September 2, and drivers should pay close attention to posted signs. As a reminder, moving trucks are not allowed on Storrow Drive. Boston neighborhoods that will be most affected by the student move-in process are Allston/Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill and Downtown. See the full list of temporary traffic restrictions here.

Moving Permits

Residents must post signs on the street at least two days before moving. The street space reserved must be an actual parking spot. If a car is parked at your reserved spot, call the Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4911. Please inform them it is not an emergency and provide them with the plate number. If the police can't reach the car owner, they will arrange for a tow.

For information on how to obtain a permit, please visit here.

Trash Disposal

During the moving process, residents are required to dispose of trash, in compliance with local laws and ordinances. Residents are strongly encouraged to download the TrashDay App, as the app's "Recycling and Trash Directory" feature provides information on how to properly and legally dispose of large household items.

Citations for unsanitary and improper disposal of trash will be issued by Code Enforcement for the Boston Public Works Department. If residents would like to report trash, they may do so through the City's 311 service. Note that improper trash disposal will result in a citation.

Inspectional Services Department (ISD) Assistance

On September 1, ISD staff will be stationed at tables at the Hess Gas Station at 100 Brighton Ave. in Brighton to assist residents with the following: 

Conducting on-the-spot inspections

ISD will deploy over a dozen inspectors and supervisors throughout neighborhoods with large student populations to conduct emergency and "delivery standard" inspections, and check intake for units subject to the Rental Inspection Ordinance.

Tagging Furniture for Harmful Germs and Bedbugs

Discarded furniture and mattresses can host harmful germs and infestations such as bedbugs and cockroaches. Discarded and abandoned furniture will be tagged for later removal by PWD.

If residents do not want their furniture to be taken or tagged, please make sure you or someone you know looks after the furniture until it is moved safely into a vehicle or apartment.

Property Owners

Property owners are encouraged to register their property for inspection with ISD and supply appropriate trash receptacles. The following is a list of the criteria units must meet upon delivery to a new occupant:  

• Clean, sanitary, and safe units;

• Post property owner's contact information;

• Provide smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.

Alert Boston

Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for AlertBoston to receive important notifications, including information on parking bans and emergency updates.

For more information, please visit www.boston.gov/moving. 

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