Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: medium
When is rental registration or license renewal due in Boston?
Short answer
Annual rental registration with ISD by July 1
When: Every year by July 1
Register every Boston rental property with Inspectional Services each year by July 1 and pay the per-unit fee; late registration can draw a $300-per-month penalty.
"You must register your rental property every year. The deadline to register is July 1." boston.gov
"$15 for each unit for renewal registrations." boston.gov
"If you don't register and pay the fee by the deadline, we may charge you a penalty of $300 each month until you do." boston.gov
Annual rental registration with ISD by July 1 Verified
Deadline: Every year by July 1
Register every Boston rental property with Inspectional Services each year by July 1 and pay the per-unit fee; late registration can draw a $300-per-month penalty.
Who it covers: All rental properties. Owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units must still register annually (the city's trifold says they are exempt from fees/inspections; that text extracted poorly and is not quoted). Fees: $25/unit first-time, $15/unit renewal; max $2,500/building or $5,000/complex.
"You must register your rental property every year. The deadline to register is July 1." boston.gov
"$15 for each unit for renewal registrations." boston.gov
"If you don't register and pay the fee by the deadline, we may charge you a penalty of $300 each month until you do." boston.gov
Notes: Boston Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance. Adds to MA state law (no statewide registry).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction