Boston Rental Registration: Requirements, Fees & Deadline
Updated September 2026 · 5 min read
Boston rental registration is due July 1 each year at $25 per unit for first-time registrations and $15 per unit for renewals. The city inspects registered rentals at least once every five years.
Who needs to register a rental property in Boston
Boston requires rental properties to be registered with the city each year. The city's only listed exemptions are properties owned by a city, state or federal agency, and rooming houses, dorms or lodging houses with a valid lodging license.
When rental registration is due
The city's deadline to register is July 1 each year. For portfolio managers, create a recurring compliance record for this date rather than treating registration as a one-time task.
Boston rental registration fees
The city lists $25 per unit for first-time registrations and $15 per unit for renewal registrations. Confirm the current fees with the city before filing, since they can change.
What information the city asks for
The registration asks for property, owner, property manager or agent details, unit counts, building age, fire escapes, and whether the property has a smoke-free policy. Keeping these details current makes renewal easier.
Registration and rental inspections are separate
Registration does not replace Boston's rental inspection. The city says it inspects registered rental properties at least once every five years. Track the registration date and inspection cycle as separate records.
Frequently asked questions
When is Boston rental registration due?
Registration is due July 1 each year, according to the city.
How much does Boston rental registration cost?
The city lists $25 per unit for first-time registrations and $15 per unit for renewals.
Are owner-occupied properties exempt from registration?
The city's listed exemptions are limited to government-owned properties and lodging houses with a valid lodging license. Confirm whether any other exemption applies before skipping registration.
Is Boston rental registration the same as a rental inspection?
No. The city says it inspects registered rental properties at least once every five years, and that is a separate process.
Sources
Figures in this guide come from these official sources. Rules change, so confirm with the source before acting.
- boston.gov/rental-registration
- Registration deadline is July 1 each year; $25/unit first-time, $15/unit renewal.
- Registered rental properties are inspected at least once every five years.
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