Housing and Property
Boston is a great place to live, work and raise a family. To keep Boston's neighborhoods and economy strong, Mayor Menino has made increasing affordable housing a top priority.
Related Services
Taxpayer Referral & Assistance
The Assessing Department's Taxpayer Referral & Assistance Center (TRAC) provides "one-stop" service to Boston taxpayers on tax related matters.
Fair Housing
The Boston Fair Housing Commission receives and investigates housing discrimination complaints and enforces fair housing laws. It also provides housing counseling and rental listings to people looking for housing.
Homebuyer Education
Boston Home Center offers courses for prosepective home buyers.
Resources for Tenants and Landlords
The Rental Housing Resource Center provides advice, information, and assistance related to rental housing issues.
Affordable Housing Opportunities
The City has made a commitment to create affordable homeownership and rental opportunities in the City with the intent of promoting public health, safety, convenience, welfare and to continue the expansion of the City's housing stock.
Building Permits
Current list of building permits you can apply with the City's Inspectional Services Department.
Housing Inspections
Request an Inspection
The Housing Inspection Division enforces the State Sanitary Code and the City of Boston Ordinances that regulate the quality of Boston's public and private housing stock.
Home Improvement
The Department of Neighborhood Development's Homeowner Services Division offers homeowners an array of programs to help renovate their homes, purchase and rehabilitate "fixer-uppers," and upgrade condominiums in one to four family properties.
Foreclosure Prevention
Foreclosure FAQs
Boston has been closely tracking foreclosure activity in the city since the last foreclosure boom in the early nineties. Now, with foreclosures on the rise across the country, Boston has responded by expanding its foreclosure prevention services.