Rental Registration: Boston vs Revere
How do rental registration rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Revere has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston requires all rental properties to be registered with the Inspectional Services Department. Owners must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and comply with the state sanitary code (105 CMR 410). Multi-unit residential buildings require regular ISD inspections. Boston's rental registration helps track housing conditions and enforce code compliance.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
Boston requires all non-owner-occupied rental properties to register annually with Inspectional Services Department (ISD) under Boston Ordinance 9-1.3 (Rental Registration), with inspection every 5 years. Chelsea requires rental registration under Chapter 9. Revere has Rental Property Registration in §11.80. Winthrop does not have a registration program but enforces the State Sanitary Code.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Certificate of Occupancy required | - |
| Heat Standard | 68°F minimum Sept 15–June 15 | - |
| Inspections | Proactive for multi-unit buildings | - |
| Property Manager | Required for 6+ unit buildings | - |
| Lead Paint | Abatement required with children under 6 | - |
| Boston | - | §9-1.3, inspection every 5 yr |
| Boston Fee | - | $25/unit first 3, $15 after |
| Chelsea | - | Chapter 9, annual registration |
| Revere | - | §11.80 registration required |
| Winthrop | - | No registry; 105 CMR 410 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Do I need to register my Boston rental property?
Yes. All rental properties must have a valid Certificate of Occupancy from ISD. Property owners must maintain current contact information and comply with the state sanitary code (105 CMR 410). Buildings with 6+ units must have a designated local property manager.
What are Boston's minimum rental standards?
Under 105 CMR 410, rental units must have adequate heat (68°F minimum during heating season), hot water, weathertight windows, functioning smoke and CO detectors, and be free of sanitary hazards. Lead paint in units with children under 6 must be abated.
Revere FAQ
Does my Boston owner-occupied duplex need to register?
No. Owner-occupied 1-2 family properties are exempt from the Rental Registration Ordinance. 3+ units require registration even if owner-occupied.
What happens during the Boston 5-year inspection?
An ISD inspector checks for Sanitary Code compliance — working smoke/CO alarms, heat, no leaks, no lead hazards, proper egress. Non-compliant units get a correction order.
Compare other topics
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