Boston, MA Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Request window
- 24 hours of move-in
- ISD response time
- 2 business days
- Correction window
- 24 hours to 14 days
- Fine
- up to $300 per offense
- Follow-up inspection
- within 5 days of deadline
- Standing right
- inspection request "at any time"
Summary
Boston Code § 9-1.4 lets any tenant demand an ISD inspection of a newly delivered rental unit within 24 hours of moving in, with Inspectional Services required to inspect within two business days: a right the ordinance says exists independent of any other inspection process.
Compliance with either or both Sections does not restrict the right of any occupant to, at any time, request that the Inspectional Services Department conduct an inspection of his or her rental premises for violations of any applicable code... (C) Enforcement process. (1) To seek relief under this Section, a new tenant shall request an inspection within 24 hours of moving into a rental dwelling unit. Inspectional Services will cause that rental unit to be inspected no later than two business days of receiving the request.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Current through Ordinance 2025 C. 14, passed 11-5-2025).
Full Breakdown
4, cleanliness, heat, egress, toilet, structural safety, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and results go on an approved ISD form. If ISD finds a violation, the property owner or agent gets no less than 24 hours and no more than 14 days to fix it; failure counts as one offense punishable by up to $300, and a follow-up inspection within five days of the compliance deadline that still finds the defect uncorrected triggers a second $300 offense, with every subsequent day of noncompliance a separate $300 violation.
3 to request a turnover inspection within 45 days confirming compliance with the state Sanitary Code. ISD must keep a public inspection checklist available so tenants know what to check before accepting a unit.
Violations & Fines
A landlord who fails to correct a violation found on a tenant-triggered inspection owes up to $300 for the initial offense, an added $300 if a five-day follow-up inspection still finds it uncorrected, and a further $300 for every additional day the defect persists after that; the city may also pursue enforcement in Boston Housing Court under the noncriminal disposition process of M.G.L. Ch. 40 § 21D.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a new Boston tenant get an inspection?
What happens if my new Boston apartment fails the inspection?
Can I request an inspection any time, not just at move-in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boston
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