Boston City Council Enacts Mandatory Landlord Registry and Housing Code Enforcement Law

BOSTON, MA — Boston City Council passed landmark housing accountability legislation on Tuesday, establishing a mandatory municipal landlord registry and expanding the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) enforcement powers to combat chronic code violations in private rental housing.

Mandatory Registration and Public Transparency

The ordinance mandates that owners of all non-owner-occupied residential rental properties register contact details, corporate ownership entities, and emergency maintenance personnel with the city annually. The registry will be accessible to the public via an online portal, enabling tenants to verify property ownership history and outstanding sanitary code citations.

Properties with repeated chronic violations—including non-functional heating systems, structural mold, or unaddressed pest infestations—will be subject to mandatory biannual physical inspections funded through progressive municipal inspection fees assessed against non-compliant landlords.

Protecting Student Renters in Dense Neighborhoods

City councilors representing Allston-Brighton, Mission Hill, and Dorchester emphasized that the ordinance provides vital protections for thousands of college students and working families who frequently endure substandard living conditions due to tight rental market vacancy rates.

Mayor Michelle Wu commended the council's decisive vote, stating that ensuring safe, dignified housing conditions is a fundamental municipal responsibility that directly impacts resident health and educational outcomes.

Real Estate Industry Feedback and Enforcement Timetable

Rental property owner associations raised administrative concerns regarding inspection turnaround times, though city officials confirmed that the ordinance incorporates a six-month phase-in period alongside a dedicated online self-service compliance portal prior to full enforcement in March 2027.