The 2022 annual registration and renewal of all private rental units open ed on March 14. In accordance with the City of Boston’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (CBC 9-1.3) all property owners are required to annually register or renew their rental registration with the Inspectional Services Department (ISD.)
Property owners must register or renew their rental units with the Inspectional Services Department during the 2022 renewal period, which runs from March 8, 2022 through June 30, 2022. The registration program is a proactive tool utilized to help ensure Boston’s housing stock is safe, sanitary and code compliant. Boston’s Rental Registration and Inspection program helps safeguard the life, health, safety, welfare and property of occupants by enforcement of minimum property standards in accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code.
In addition, this program:
• Ensures landlords are well informed of rental housing regulations and requirements;
• Encourages preventative maintenance;
• Provides contact information for use by city officials for emergency situations;
• Aides in housing stock preservation, maintenance and upgrades;
• Facilitates neighborhood stabilization; and
• Fosters clean and safe rental properties.
An additional component of the registration process requires the property owner to disclose if the building has a fire escape and affidavit. In accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code, 780 CMR 1001.3.3, all fire escapes and egress balconies must be examined and/or tested, and certified for structural adequacy and safety every five years, by a Massachusetts registered professional engineer, or other qualified and acceptable to the Commissioner of ISD. The professional must submit an affidavit and pay the filing fee of $50 to ISD.
Rental property owners can register through our online registration portal, by mail or in-person by visiting the Housing Division at 1010 Massachusetts Ave. Boston Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00 pm, where staff will be available to assist with the registration process. The initial registration fee is $25 per unit, and the annual renewal fee is $15 per unit, up to a maximum of $2500 per building or $5000 per complex.) Owner-occupied properties with less than six rental units are not required to pay the registration fee but are required to register each year.
For questions regarding the registration process please contact the Housing Division, at 617-635-1010 or email [email protected]. Property owners that do not have access to a computer can contact the Housing Division for assistance.