cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Entrances

Secure Entry

Every dwelling and dwelling unit must be secured against unlawful entry. Every window opening to the exterior must be secured against unlawful entry. Locking devices shall be designed and installed to avoid entrapment within the building.

Screen Doors

All doors that open directly to the exterior from within a dwelling unit must be equipped with tight-fitting, self-closing screen doors, unless the screen slides side-to-side.

Utilities

Bill Payments

The tenant is responsible for paying utility bills (gas, electric, or oil) only if there is a written letting agreement stating so, and if the utility only services the occupant's unit. In the case of a dwelling with three units or less, common area lights (outside the dwelling unit door, illumination in the basement or entry porch) may be on tenant meters when all tenants are notified and control for the fixture is within the paying tenant's unit.

Shut Off Service

A property owner may not shut off or remove any service, utility, facility, or equipment required under the Code except for temporary periods necessary for repairs or alterations.

Structural Elements

Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Windows

All structural elements (floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, porches, stairs, etc.) are properly installed, in good-repair, fit for use intended, and weather-tight.

Appliances & Facilities

Plumbing, Gasfitting, Heating, and Electrical

The owner is responsible for the proper installation and maintenance of all required and optional plumbing, gasfitting, heating and electrical facilities and equipment including, but not limited to, all sinks, pipes, wiring, toilets, furnaces, light fixtures, drains, vents, stoves, clothes washers and dryers, etc.

Egress

Every dwelling unit must provide as many means of egress to allow for the safe passage of all occupants in accordance with the State Building Code. No one shall obstruct a means of egress.

Pest Extermination

The owner is responsible for the extermination of pests in buildings containing two or more units. Extermination includes sealing all means of entry, eliminating any harborage areas and food sources, and cleaning and disinfecting all affected areas.

Cleanliness

The occupant of any dwelling unit is responsible for maintaining their unit in a clean and sanitary manner.