Housing and Home Improvement Resources
Find helpful housing resources and programs for renters, landlords, contractors and property owners.
Notice for Owner-Occupied Multi-Family Homes: Disregard Inspection Letter
If you rent out units in an owner-occupied multifamily home with 6 units or fewer, you might have received an inspection notice in error. Please disregard. Some properties with this exemption status were mistakenly included in ISD's recent mailing. We apologize for the confusion.
Have questions or need assistance? We've compiled a list of important contacts in the Housing Division.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Inspectional Services
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th FloorBoston, MA 02118
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Notice of Accommodation
Inspections
When You Need a Rental Inspection
We inspect rental properties to make sure they meet state housing codes.
How to Apply for the Five-Year Inspection Plan
If you have a good record as a property owner in Boston, you may qualify for the plan.
Rental Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for your upcoming rental inspection.
How to Request an Administrative Hearing
Learn how to ask for a hearing in the event you get a violation on your property.
Meeting the Housing Code in Boston
All homes must meet the State Sanitary Code. Learn more about the regulations.
Breathe Easy At Home
We're improving access and communication between medical staff and public health agencies to resolve substandard living conditions.
Applications
How to Get a Foundation Permit
Learn the permitting process to change, repair, or build a new foundation.
How to Get a Long Form Permit
Learn how to apply for a long-form permit for new construction or significant updates to a building.
How to Get a New Construction Permit
Learn how to get a new construction permit before starting a new building project.
Registration
How to Register a Rental Property
If you own a rental property, you must register it with the City each year
Renew Your Rental Registration
Property Owners who have previously registered you rental units must renew your registration every year
Short-Term Rentals
Learn the rules around registering a short-term rental in Boston.
Vacant and Foreclosed Property Registration
You must register your property with Inspectional Services if it is vacant or going into foreclosure.
Home Improvement Contractors
Are you a contractor and subcontractor performing home improvement work on an existing one- to four-unit residential property in Massachusetts? You must register for the Home Improvement Contractor Registration as the following:
- an Individual
- a limited liability company (LLC)
- a limited liability partnership (LLP), and
- a corporation.
- Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) Guide
- First-time registrations
- Renew your HIC Registration (online account only)
- Change your registered address
- Request a duplicate or supplemental (additional) card
- Renew your HIC registration (by mail or in-person)
- Change your Doing Business As (DBA)
- Register as a Foreign Corporation
Multilingual Documents
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Still have questions? Contact:
Inspectional Services
-
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th FloorBoston, MA 02118
-
Notice of Accommodation
