Suffolk County, MA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Rental registration varies across Suffolk County. Boston's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (City of Boston Code §9-1.3, enacted 2012, amended) requires all non-owner-occupied residential rental units to register annually with Boston ISD — fees are currently $25 per unit for the first 3 units and $15 per additional unit. Every unit must undergo a City inspection every 5 years checking State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) compliance: working smoke/CO detectors, safe electrical, proper heat, no lead paint hazards for pre-1978 units with children under 6 (MGL c. 111, §197). Owner-occupied 1-2 family properties are exempt. Chelsea Rental Registration under Chapter 9 of the City Code requires annual registration and inspection of all rental units; fees roughly $50 per unit. Revere Rental Property Registration Ordinance (Chapter 11.80) requires all rental property owners to register with the Inspectional Services Department, pay a fee, and comply with Sanitary Code inspections every 4-5 years. Winthrop does not maintain a formal rental registry but inspects rentals on complaint and at tenant change through the Board of Health under 105 CMR 410. All four municipalities enforce the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code Chapter II (105 CMR 410) which sets minimum standards of fitness for human habitation. Lead paint disclosure is mandatory for pre-1978 units under MGL c. 111, §197A.