Tenant Rights & Resources

Helpful Links

Housing Code

All apartments in Boston must adhere to housing code. Before moving into an apartment, take a look at the information below from the City of Boston Housing Inspection Division and complete a Housing Code Checklist.

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If you believe that your apartment does not meet housing code, contact a Board of Health Inspector in your community:

Finger pushing button on smoke detector on bright blue wall

Fire Safety Resources

Pest Information

Everything you need to know about household pests (written by a Community Ambassador)

Bed Bugs

Boston 311

Boston 311 helps residents and visitors improve City neighborhoods. You can report non-emergency issues, like potholes and graffiti. Download the BOS:311 app or call 3-1-1 to be connected with highly-trained Constituent Service Center representatives who are ready to help you with requests for non-emergency City services and information.

Tenant Rights

As a tenant you have the right to…

1. Running water at no charge
2. Sink
3. Stove
4. Oven
5. Rodent and insect-free apartment
6. Advance notice if the landlord needs to enter the apartment. The landlord may only enter for these reasons: inspect the premises, make repairs, show the apartment to prospective tenants, in accordance with a court order, if the apartment seems abandoned
7. Exercise your legal rights (i.e. contacting the Board of Health, joining a tenants organization) without penalty from the landlord (including increased rent or termination of lease)