Housing Division - Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a property owner file a complaint against her/his tenant(s)?
- Who is responsible for the removal of snow/ice in all common walkways within a 24-hour time period?
- Does a tenant need to have access to the basement?
- What are the required minimum and maximum temperatures for Hot Water?
- What are the required minimum and maximum temperatures for heating a habitable room?
- Are heating facilities required in every room?
- In a 2 family dwelling, who is responsible for providing trash receptacles and placing them at curbside for pickup?
- If a landlord is not aware of all the regulations related to residential housing, do they still have to comply?
- Can a landlord prevent a tenant from damaging their apartment?
- Do tenants have to call their landlord before calling ISD?
- Does a landlord have to schedule an appointment with a tenant in order to make non-emergency repairs?
- What happens when a landlord rents a unit to 3 occupants and after moving in more occupants are added?
- What times of the year are screens required and are they required on all windows and doors?
Yes! Tenants may be cited for: not allowing access for repairs, trash, insect/ rodent infestation, Apartment maintenance and respecting structural elements.
The Property Owner.
Yes!! Tenants need access if there are electrical over-current devices (circuit breakers), utility meters or oil tanks in the basement. Access does not always mean that a key must be provided.
110 Fahrenheit minimum and 130 Fahrenheit maximum.
68 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime (7:00 AM until 11:00 PM)
64 degrees Fahrenheit at night (11:01 PM until 6:59 AM)
NO!! As long as the minimum heating requirements are met in each habitable room.
The occupants are responsible in single and two family dwellings.
Yes! You can not plead ignorance of the law!
Yes and No. Vandalism is a crime and can be reported to the police. However, in most cases a landlord may be unaware of damage to the apartment. Landlords can protect themselves through the following methods: pre-rental inspections, security deposits, proper screening, documentary evidence.
No!! But ISD urges tenants to call their landlords to give them an opportunity to make repairs.
Yes. Landlords must give "reasonable notice" before entering to make non-emergency repairs. Reasonable notice is at least 24 hours. Written notice is strongly recommended.
If the tenant violates written or verbal rental agreement, the landlord may formally address the problem with a notice to quit.
April 1st through October 31st, annually. Screens are only required on windows on the fourth floor and down.
©2009 The City of Boston