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Get direct answers to your questions about City of Boston services, programs, and information. While we strive for accuracy by sourcing directly from Boston.gov, our search can occasionally provide unexpected results. You can help us improve by using the feedback buttons below each answer.

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Property Ownership and Maintenance

Projects and guides for repairing, improving, renting, and selling property in Boston.

Don’t see your project listed? Contact us to suggest a project.

Rent or Sell Your Property

Requirements for owners who rent out or sell a home.

Register a Rental Property

Register your rental property with the City every year.
Short-Term Rentals

Register with the City to rent your home for fewer than 28 days.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Have your alarms inspected before you sell.

Build or Make an Addition

Add space or build a new structure on your property.

Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

You can build an ADU on your property once the design is approved.
Get a Use of Premises Permit

You must get a permit to add certain outdoor features to your land, like a shed or pool.

Gut or Renovate

Major remodels, like a kitchen or bathroom.

Renovate a Bathroom or Kitchen

Homeowners must hire a contractor to apply for the permits and perform the work.
Get a Demolition Permit

For tearing down a structure.

Install or Replace

These projects often require specialized trade permits. Inspectional Services will confirm the documents you need for your project once you apply.

Make Electrical Service Upgrades

Increase your home’s electrical capacity to meet modern power demands.
Install or Replace a Gas Fireplace

Add a gas fireplace to your home.
Install or Replace Gas Lines

Install or replace a gas line in your home or building. Only licensed contractors can get a gas permit.
Install or Replace Insulation

Add or repair insulation in a home or business.
Get New Kitchen Cabinets

Install new cabinets or update old ones in your kitchen. No permits required.
Install or Replace Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures

Only licensed contractors can get a plumbing permit.
Install or Replace Siding

Add or repair siding on a home or business.
Install or Replace Sinks, Toilets, Showers, or Bathtubs

Add a new fixture or replace an old one.
Add Solar Panels

Add solar panels to your home or business.
Install or Replace Washers, Dishwashers, and Garbage Disposals

Only licensed contractors can get a plumbing and electrical permits.
Install or Replace Water Heaters and Boilers

Install a new water heater or boiler in your home or business.
Replace Windows

Install or replace a window in your home or business.
Safe Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Repair

Fix or restore part of your building.

Install or Repair a Fire Escape

You need an engineer or licensed fire escape installer for this project.
Repair a Roof

Apply for a short-form permit to repair a roof.
Install or Repair a Roof Deck

Get a short-form or long-form permit to repair or install a roof deck.

Related Resources

Related
Historical Permit Records

Look up permit history for a property address.
Housing Code

The City’s standards for homes and apartments.
Access Building Plans

Find out how to get building plans from the City Archives.
What’s My Zoning?

What’s My Zoning? View zoning information for your address or parcel.
How to File a Zoning Board Appeal

Learn how to file a zoning appeal.

Find a Permit

Search a list of City permits, licenses, and certificates. You can filter by department or project category, or see which permits only licensed contractors can apply for.

We’re still adding permits, so check back for more. If you can’t find what you need, try searching.

See Property Ownership and Maintenance Permits

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