Renting in Boston

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Know Your Rights When You Rent

Top Ten Things Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Leases and agreements

Contact: Housing

Property owners may request references and proof of income to screen tenants. Once everything checks out, property owners will offer you either a lease or tenancy-at-will agreement. A tenancy-at-will offers more flexibility, but a lease offers more security.

LEASES

Leases, which typically run for one year, are binding legal contracts. Leases offer security for tenants. Read any agreement before signing it, and keep a copy for your records. If you have roommates and one moves out, you may still be responsible for paying their portion of the rent until you find a new one.

TENANCy-AT-WILL AGREEMENTS

A tenancy-at-will agreement gives you the opportunity to move out after giving the landlord a proper 30-day written notice. It also allows the landlord to ask you to leave or to increase your rent with a proper 30-day written notice.

Before entering into a rental agreement, check out the condition of the rental unit in person. If you cannot, send someone you trust in your place.

Deposits and fees

Contact: Housing

Property owners will ask for deposits and fees before you move in. Your landlord must — among other things — give you proper receipts and pay interest on an annual basis. If they charge a security deposit, they need to put the money in a separate Massachusetts bank account.

AT THE START OF TENANCY, LANDLORDS can CHARGE:

the first month’s rent
the last month’s rent
a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, and
a fee to buy and install new locks.

ADDITIONAL FEES

If you use a real estate agent, there may be a fee separate from the payments made to the landlord. Real estate agents have to give you a written notice that states how much the fee will cost. The notice must also tell you how to pay the fee, and if the fee only applies if you enter into an agreement. You both have to sign off on the notice, and the real estate agent has to keep it on file for three years.

LANDLORDS CANnot CHARGE:

a fee to hold the apartment
an application fee
a credit check fee, or
a finder’s fee for renting the apartment, unless the property owner is a real estate agent.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance is a good idea, and can be surprisingly affordable.

Everything from computers to jewelry is typically covered in the event of a fire or theft.

Condition of rental unit

Contact: Inspectional Services

Tenants are entitled to safe and sanitary housing. Landlords must comply with the Mass. State Sanitary Code, as well as the Zoning and Building Code. Tenants should report violations to their landlord in writing. If landlords do not make the repairs, contact Inspectional Services.

Meeting the housing code

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS include:

functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
heat, water, adequate exits, and toilets
being free of defects that could harm renters
being free of pest infestations
being free of garbage and other waste, and
having contact information for the property owner visible.

Noise

Be considerate of your neighbors.

Having loud parties late at night or cranking up the music may lead to complaints and eventually to eviction.

Get information and help

Contact: Housing

The Office of Housing Stability helps property owners and tenants with housing issues. If you have questions, call 617-635-4200 or email rentalhousing@boston.gov. We can help with any of the common issues below and more. You can also report non-emergencies to BOS:311.

EMERGENCY HELP

Fires, floods, or natural disasters: By law, the property owner’s insurance has to cover up to $750 per household for costs or damages to a tenant affected by a fire. If your apartment is unlivable, a property owner cannot charge you rent. The City can help you find temporary housing in emergency situations.

Condemnation: The City may condemn a residential unit or building if it does not meet the housing codes. An inspector will let tenants know that they need to leave if the property owner cannot be found.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Condo conversions: A Boston ordinance gives some protections to tenants in rental buildings in Boston with four or more units that are being converted to condominiums. Some buildings are exempt, like federal buildings and college dorms. Property owners must follow eviction procedures.

Eviction: If your landlord wants to evict you, they must end your tenancy with the proper written notice, and file a summary process action in court. Ultimately, only a judge can evict you.

Example Questions

Our office tackles questions like those below. We can offer guidance based on your specific situation.

Where can I find affordable housing, or housing that will accept a voucher?
Can my landlord increase my rent unexpectedly?
My landlord has not returned my security deposit. How can I get it back?
My tenant is not paying their rent. What can I do?
My landlord keeps coming to show the unit. What sort of notice do they need to give?

Property Owner resources

Contact: Housing

Timely Rent Payment

You are entitled to the rent on the day specified by the terms of the tenancy. You may charge a late fee only if there is a written agreement in place that allows it. This fee cannot be charged unless the rent is at least 30 days late.

Security Deposits

At the beginning of the tenancy, you may require a tenant to pay the last month’s rent in advance and a security deposit in an amount no greater than the equivalent of one month’s rent.

Lead Paint REMOVAL

We help eligible property owners cover the costs of lead paint removal. Property owners are legally responsible if a child is poisoned by lead hazards where they live. Learn more about the Massachusetts Lead Law.