Landlord and Agent Resources

Off-Campus Student Living
1. Landlord and Agent Resources

糖心Vlog classes begin on Monday, August 30, 2027. For best results finding tenants, arrange move-in dates for August 30 or earlier.听As a reminder, if you own a rental property within the City of Boston, you must register it with the city each year. Visit the听听for more information.

Access information to get started and post an apartment listing on the BC Off-Campus Housing Database.

Lease Requirements

Leases are written and include all tenant names as well as the full name and contact information of the landlord/property manager
A signed copy of the lease is provided to each tenant within thirty (30) days of signing
All aspects of the lease and addendum comply with city, state, and federal law
Illegal clauses in the lease and/or addendum, even if agreed to by the tenants, are unlawful and therefore unenforceable

Security Deposits

Security deposit amounts may not exceed the amount of one month鈥檚 rent. Upon receiving a security deposit, a landlord/property manager must give the tenant a receipt stating:
- The amount of the security deposit
- The name of the person receiving it
- The name of the person providing it
- The name of the landlord
- The date on which it is received
- A description of the premises being rented
The landlord/property manager must place the money in a separate, interest-bearing account in a bank located in Massachusetts
Within thirty (30) days of receiving the security deposit, a landlord/property manager must give the tenant a second receipt containing the following information:
- The name and location of the bank where the money is being held
- The account number
- The amount of the deposit
Security deposits must be returned to tenants within thirty (30) days of the lease ending
The only allowable deductions from a security deposit may be for unpaid rent or damage caused by the tenants. If any deductions are made, the landlord/property manager must return the balance along with a statement that includes an itemized listing of the deductions with supporting documentation and receipts
In accordance with Massachusetts law, if a security deposit is collected, a move-in condition checklist is required to be filled out and signed by the landlord/property manager and tenants
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Repairs

Upon delivery to new occupants, rental units must meet the听听set forth by their city/town鈥檚 Inspectional Services Department 听
Rental units must always meet the听听as dictated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Repairs must be made within the outlined in the state Sanitary Code

Contact Information

With the exception of owner-occupied rentals, all dwellings rented for residential use are required by law to post the name, address, and telephone number of either the landlord or property manager in a visible interior location
If the landlord is a realty trust or partnership, the name, address and telephone number of the managing trustee or partner shall be posted
If the landlord is a corporation, the name, address and telephone number of the president of the corporation shall be posted
Where the landlord employs a manager or agent who does not reside in such dwelling, such manager or agent's name, address and telephone number shall also be included in the notice

Communication

Landlords and/or property managers should be responsive to tenants and reply to any and all tenant inquires in a reasonable amount of time
Agents/brokers should be responsive to potential tenants and provide honest responses to questions

Tenants' Right to Privacy

Landlords/property managers must respect tenants鈥� right to privacy and may not enter their unit without providing the tenants with reasonable notice and only enter during reasonable hours to make repairs, improvements, or to show the property to perspective tenants or purchasers
Landlords/property managers can enter units without notice only in situations where there is a genuine emergency that threatens life or property
Agents/brokers must respect tenants鈥� right to privacy and may not enter a unit without receiving permission from a landlord who has provided the tenants with reasonable notice that their apartment will be shown to perspective tenants or purchasers

Agent/Broker Expectations

Property listings must be factual, available, and comply with zoning codes
Agents/brokers will not require payment of a commission until the signing of the lease
Agents/brokers will be professionally licensed and work for only one brokerage firm with a physical office location, and will provide credentials upon request
Upon request, agents/brokers will disclose to potential tenants the name of the landlord and/or property manager of any property that is being considered by the potential tenants
Agents will act with integrity and not misrepresent demand for property or time constraints to sign a lease for a particular property

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