Boston College classes begin on Monday, August 29, 2022. For best results finding tenants, arrange move-in dates for August 29 or earlier.

As a reminder, if you own a rental property within the City of Boston, you must register it with the city each year. Visit the Boston Rental Registration website for more information.

Getting Started?

How to Post a Listing

Lease Requirements

  • Leases are written and include all tenant names as well as the full name and contact information of the landlord/property manager
  • A signed copy of the lease is provided to each tenant within thirty (30) days of signing
  • All aspects of the lease and addendum comply with city, state, and federal law
  • Illegal clauses in the lease and/or addendum, even if agreed to by the tenants, are unlawful and therefore unenforceable
  • A signed copy of the lease is provided to each tenant within thirty (30) days of signing

Security Deposits

  • Security deposit amounts may not exceed the amount of one month’s rent. Upon receiving a security deposit, a landlord/property manager must give the tenant a receipt stating:
    • The amount of the security deposit
    • The name of the person receiving it
    • The name of the person providing it
    • The name of the landlord
    • The date on which it is received
    • A description of the premises being rented
  • The landlord/property manager must place the money in a separate, interest-bearing account in a bank located in Massachusetts
  • Within thirty (30) days of receiving the security deposit, a landlord/property manager must give the tenant a second receipt containing the following information:
    • The name and location of the bank where the money is being held
    • The account number
    • The amount of the deposit
  • Security deposits must be returned to tenants within thirty (30) days of the lease ending
  • The only allowable deductions from a security deposit may be for unpaid rent or damage caused by the tenants. If any deductions are made, the landlord/property manager must return the balance along with a statement that includes an itemized listing of the deductions with supporting documentation and receipts
  • In accordance with Massachusetts law, if a security deposit is collected, a move-in condition checklist is required to be filled out and signed by the landlord/property manager and tenants
     

Returning the Security Deposit

  • Within thirty (30) days of receiving the security deposit, a landlord/property manager must give the tenant a second receipt containing the following information:
    • The name and location of the bank where the money is being held
    • The account number
    • The amount of the deposit
  • Security deposits must be returned to tenants within thirty (30) days of the lease ending
  • The only allowable deductions from a security deposit may be for unpaid rent or damage caused by the tenants. If any deductions are made, the landlord/property manager must return the balance along with a statement that includes an itemized listing of the deductions with supporting documentation and receipts
  • In accordance with Massachusetts law, if a security deposit is collected, a move-in condition checklist is required to be filled out and signed by the landlord/property manager and tenants

Repairs

  • Upon delivery to new occupants, rental units must meet the minimum delivery standards set forth by their city/town’s Inspectional Services Department  
  • Rental units must always meet the minimum sanitation requirements are dictated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  • Repairs are made within the required timeframe outlined in the state Sanitary Code

Contact Information

  • With the exception of owner occupied rentals, all dwellings rented for residential use are required by law to post the name, address, and telephone number of either the landlord or property manager in a visible interior location
  • If the landlord is a realty trust or partnership, the name, address and telephone number of the managing trustee or partner shall be posted
  • If the landlord is a corporation, the name, address and telephone number of the president of the corporation shall be posted
  • Where the landlord employs a manager or agent who does not reside in such dwelling, such manager or agent's name, address and telephone number shall also be included in the notice

Communication

  • Landlords and/or property managers are responsive to tenants and reply to any and all tenant inquires in a reasonable amount of time
  • Agents/brokers are responsive to potential tenants and provide honest responses to questions

Tenants' Right to Privacy

  • Landlords/property managers must respect tenants’ right to privacy and may not enter their unit without providing the tenants with reasonable notice and only enter during reasonable hours to make repairs, improvements, or to show the property to perspective tenants or purchasers
  • Landlords/property managers can enter units without notice only in situations where there is a genuine emergency that threatens life or property
  • Agents/brokers must respect tenants’ right to privacy and may not enter a unit without  receiving permission from a landlord who has provided the tenants with reasonable notice that their apartment will be shown to perspective tenants or purchasers

Agent/Broker Expectations

  • Advertisements of property are factual, available, and comply with zoning codes
  • Agents/brokers will not require payment of a commission until the signing of the lease
  • Agents/brokers will be professionally licensed and work for only one brokerage firm with a physical office location, and will provide credentials upon request
  • Upon request, agents/brokers will disclose to potential tenants the name of the landlord and/or property manager of any property that is being considered by the potential tenants
  • Agents will act with integrity and not misrepresent demand for property or time constraints to sign a lease of a particular property
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