Yes, the link to the specific City of Boston website is here: ttps://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/how-register-rental-property

Here is a list of resources to begin your journey as a landlord:

https://www.mass.gov/guides/the-attorney-generals-guide-to-landlord-and-tenant-rights

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/overview-of-fair-housing-law

Below are links to the state website regarding lead paint. We have also worked with many landlords to ensure their properties receive a Letter of Interim Control or Full Deleading Compliance when necessary and can help guide you through the process from initial inspection, to any abatement, to issuance of compliance.

https://www.mass.gov/the-massachusetts-lead-law

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/04/09/Lead%20Paint%20Advisory%20%28April%202018%29.pdf

We provide professional photography for all rental listings. Our rental listings are broadly marketed via MLS, Zillow, Apartments.com, etc to ensure you get the best possible tenant. Throughout the process we provide the same level of detailed feedback a seller client might receive. We are also able to help coordinate any updates, repairs, or professional cleaning.

Prospective tenants will submit an application that includes recent paystubs and/or an offer letter, as well as in some cases brokerage/bank statements, financial information from a cosigner, or info regarding their pets (if applicable). We will then pull credit and speak to their references. Once the due diligence portion is complete, we review the whole package with the landlord.

The Boston rental market has several seasons, with late spring and summer being the strongest and most active. In pricing a unit we take into consideration the current level of inventory, what types of units are doing the best/who is looking, the amount of time until the move in date, recent comps, and data from the last similar cycle coupled with year over year gains.

We assist our landlord clients in the preparation of a thorough lease, including standard GBREB lease forms and any applicable addenda (no smoking, condo, etc), a custom lease addendum, the Tenant Lead Law Notification, Apartment Condition Statements, and Rent and Security Deposit Receipt forms. We advise you to review the draft lease with your real estate attorney prior to approving and signing.

People typically begin their rental search 45-90 days prior to their target move in date. Sometimes people searching for new September 1st leases start inquiring as early as January or February. Not only does the majority of the inventory not come on that early, the other downside for both landlords and tenants is that a lot can change in 6-8 months and neither side wants to end up with a last minute surprise. There tend to be last minute deals in August for September 1st but the inventory/quality are unpredictable and we only advise this strategy if you currently have flexibility in your lease end date or access to temporary housing.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Act quickly once you begin actively touring units, especially if you see something you love. Be aware of what your non-negotiables are. Prepare all the necessary documentation ahead of time like paystubs, references, etc.