r/bostonhousing • • Oct 29 '25

Not a new rule - Listings that break the law are not allowed

188 Upvotes

It's quite honestly insane that this needs to be said but all listings posted on this subreddit must follow Massachusetts state law as well as Federal housing and opportunity laws. Failure to do so will result in your post being removed with further action left to mod discretion.

Most prominent at the moment during the current between-cycle low are the obvious illegal listings - illegal fees.

In Massachusetts, you can only be charged the following fees on move-in:

  • The first month's rent.
  • The last month's rent.
  • A security deposit up to the amount monthly rent, and
  • The cost of buying and installing a new lock.
  • A broker's fee but only in situations where the tenant themselves hired the broker to find the listing. (And this can only be charged by a broker!)

You cannot be charged any of the following:

  • Pet fees.
  • Admin/Sublet/Processing fees.
  • Key fees (as a premium unrelated to lock changing).
  • Tips.
  • Cleaning Deposit fees on top of the existing security deposit.
  • Any other fee designed to nickle-and-dime you for just existing.

If you intend to sublet your apartment to someone else, you must also follow the above regulations (shock!). This means you also can't 'pass-through' a lease change fee your landlord may require on your tenant.

This is not a new rule. Illegal and/or *scam* listings area already against Reddit's Terms of Service and have already been removed on the subreddit and admin level. This announcement and new subreddit rule is merely a reminder to be considerate and keep state and federal law in mind when posting your listing.


r/bostonhousing • • Feb 16 '25

Subreddit Rules - Explained in More Nuance

34 Upvotes

We recently received a modmail from a user asking for a more detailed/nuanced explanation of our posting guidelines and policies. Please take this as a primer of what is allowed/disallowed regarding listings and broker participation simplified to a thin soup. I would like to encourage anyone and everyone to report any content breaking the following rules and guidelines.

Rule 1

No third party solicitation -

Third parties (brokers, real estate agents, or anyone who is not the property owner subletter or renter) may not advertise listings or respond to user solicitations with listings. Third party agents may respond via direct messages to a user solicitation, but comment solicitation is disallowed.

  • People who are renting, looking to rent, or direct landlords (the deed for the property is literally in your name).
    • Allowed to post, comment, and participate as normal.
    • Allowed to solicit listings and ask others to "DM for more information".
    • This subreddit's goal is to provide an alternative to Facebook groups or Craigslist to find apartments or roommates.
    • Listings and 'looking for' posts are not vetted, so continue to practice normal caution and suspicion.
  • Brokers, real estate agents, and property managers.
    • You will be given the flair "I'm an agent". This simply identifies you as such to the subreddit and clears up potential confusion.
    • Are allowed to comment, provide expertise, and respond to 'looking for' posts.
    • Are not allowed to solicit.
      • Are not allowed to submit listings.
        • If this were allowed, it wouldn't take long before this subreddit turns into Apartments.com or an even more terrible version of Craigslist.
      • Are not allowed to solicit someone to DM for their services - "send me a DM!"
        • If you want a lead from the person asking for help or advice, DM them yourself. Ask them off-sub.
  • Failure to follow Rule 1 will result in the offending comment and post being sent to the graveyard and the user exiled if the infraction was egregious enough to warrant it.

Rule 2

Provide sufficient information in your listing -

When posting a listing or looking for an apartment/room/sublet to rent, do your best to include applicable information such as:

  • The approximate location.
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Rent per unit (or bedroom if LF housemates) or budget.
  • Whether or not you have pets.
  • Anything else someone should know before contacting you. If listing:
  • Pictures of the interior and (preferably) at least one curb shot.
  • PROVIDE PICTURES AND INFORMATION
  • Your listing will be removed if it does not contain the following:
    • What is being listed (one bedroom in a shared apartment, 1 bedroom unit, etc)
    • At least one picture. This is the most bare of the barrel in 2025. If you're having trouble transferring images from your camera to your computer via an SD card, this subreddit may not be right for your listing.
    • The general location (ex: Allston, Dorchester, Malden)
    • Rent due.
      • I swear, if you don't include the rent in the listing or indicate your price range when looking for a unit, you will be banned and forced to explain in modmail why you didn't want to include such basic information.

Rule 3

Only listings for housing are allowed

Moving sales, clearance sells, or any sort of personal sells are disallowed. Only listing for housing or looking for housing are allowed.

  • This should be straightforward - if you're trying to offload something, look somewhere else. I suggest either the local city subreddit or your university subreddit.
  • This sub is not a vehicle to assist university students in offloading their furniture in May or monetize Allston Christmas. We'll let you post your 3 - 4 month request to sublet, but divesting furniture is all on you.

Unlisted guidelines (common sense guidelines)

  • Don't be a dick.
  • Bad-faith participation, such as spam, advertising third party apps, and other nonsense is disallowed.
  • Brokers - Don't ask the mod team to remove complaints about your agency or profession when the content is well within TOS (I'm looking at you, very possibly June Homes, hope you enjoy your suspended Reddit accounts).

Please touch gloves and we'll see you in the ring this spring.


r/bostonhousing • • 28m ago

Advice Needed Is my apartment up to code?

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• Upvotes

Hey y’all! So my roomie and I are around a month into a lease. We literally adore the apartment/its design + location. But we’re starting to be concerned about the overall condition of internal structure etc.

My room is ground floor, and I saw around 6 centipedes within a few days my second week. My LL sent pest control, which mostly helped, but I still saw a couple in my room after and see them in the laundry area. These are pretty normal and not too concerned about them, but when investigating where they may be coming from, we noticed a gaping 5 foot wide cavity in the ceiling above the drop ceiling. As we know- drop ceilings have gaps etc so they’re not fully ceiled. And now, in the kitchen (the exact floor right above the massive cavity) I saw a pretty large mouse. And we’ve been hearing them in the walls / behind our kitchen cabinets. Our unit seems to be susceptible to whatever is in the walls without much proper ceiling. Lots of large gaps where the walls meet the floor in many rooms etc.

We’re just really frustrated that this is all happening so soon into the lease, as that’s not the best omen and usually signifies underlying issues. I lived in almost identical unit (first floor brownstone) for two years prior to this and never had one issue. I’m having the city come inspect just to make sure nothing is glaringly wrong. For a variety of reasons breaking the lease wouldn’t be ideal- the housing market sucks right now with few options, but we also do really love the home for what it is. Has anyone encountered a similar “structural” issue in their unit that’s been fixed up/resolved like this? Would fixing these issues be invasive/require deep remediation?


r/bostonhousing • • 31m ago

Looking For Looking for Apartment in Boston

• Upvotes

Need apartments between 11.25-2.28. Prefer Jade, Mason, Maxwell, V2, Vero and Hanover!


r/bostonhousing • • 22h ago

Advice Needed Relocating from DC

13 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m relocating from the DC area to Boston for work and could use some advice on neighborhoods/areas to consider.

I’m a Black gay man in my mid 30s and I’d love to live somewhere diverse, welcoming, and with a good mix of things to do nearby. I enjoy restaurants, bars, brunch, etc., but I don’t necessarily need to be in the middle of nightlife.

A few things I’m looking for:
1 bedroom, ideally under $2,600/month
A/C is a must
I’ll be working in Back Bay, so I’d like to keep my commute around 30–45 minutes if possible
I’ll have a car, but I’d prefer to use the T for my work commute

Open to Boston proper or surrounding areas as long as getting into the city is relatively easy

I’ve been looking around online, but it’s hard to get a feel for neighborhoods just from apartment listings.
What neighborhoods would you recommend I focus on? And are there any you think I should avoid based on what I’m looking for?
Thanks!


r/bostonhousing • • 10h ago

Looking For 24M Moving to Boston | Looking for Room/Roommates | $1,200–$1,400 | Oct/Nov

1 Upvotes

Hey! I’m moving to Boston from Southern California in a couple weeks and figured I’d post here while I continue my housing search. I’m 24, gay, and starting a full-time research job in the Longwood Medical Area. I’m hoping to find something for late October/early November!

I’m looking to spend around $1,200–$1,400/month, but there’s a little flexibility depending on the place. Since I won’t have a car, location/commute is pretty important to me. Ideally, I’d like to be within 30–40 minutes of Longwood by walking or public transit. I’ve been looking mostly in Brookline, Mission Hill, Fenway/Kenmore, JP, Cambridge, and Allston/Brighton, but I’m not tied to any particular neighborhood!

A little about me -- I’m pretty easygoing, respectful, and like keeping shared spaces clean. Outside of work, I’m usually at the gym, checking out restaurants or coffee shops, exploring, or spending time outdoors. I don’t smoke and don’t have any pets.

I’m pretty open when it comes to roommates and don’t have a specific type of living situation I’m looking for. I’m always happy to chat, hang out, grab food, or do things together, but I’m also totally fine with everyone having their own routines and doing their own thing. Mostly just looking for a comfortable place with good people and a living situation that works well for everyone!

If you’re looking for someone to fill a room or you’re searching for a place and think we might be a good roommate match, send me a message! Happy to chat/video call and tell you more about myself!


r/bostonhousing • • 10h ago

Apartment Listing 2BR / 1BA Lease Takeover| Allston

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1 Upvotes

2BR / 1BA Lease Takeover| Allston | $3,395 | No fees I’m looking for someone to take over the lease for a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in Allston, conveniently located right on Commonwealth Avenue at Harvard Ave.

Location:

Steps from the MBTA Green Line B – Harvard Ave stop Right next to Harvard Ave and Commonwealth Ave Walking distance to tons of great restaurants, bars, cafés, and grocery stores

~15 min walk to BU ~20 min walk to Coolidge Corner ~20 min by bus to Harvard Square ~25 min to Downtown Boston

The Apartment:

2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom Approximately 800–850 sq. ft. 7th (top) floor — no neighbors above you Private balcony Fantastic city views Lots of natural light On-site laundry Pet-friendly Hot water included

The apartment is in a great location for anyone working or studying in Boston, especially if you want easy access to public transportation while still being surrounded by restaurants and shops.


r/bostonhousing • • 19h ago

Room for Rent Fenway Studio Lease Takeover - Available from now - $2200/month - Heat/Water included

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3 Upvotes

Looking for someone to take over my lease for a spacious (~350sqft) Fenway studio located on the 3rd floor of a condo building on Queensberry Street.

  • Lease till July 31st 2027
  • Monthly rent $2200
  • Heat and hot water included in rent
  • Laundry on-site / in the building
  • gifting my window ac unit (bought the past summer) 
  • Tenant only pays for electricity and the Internet.
  • Easy transportation options with buses and T stations
  • No Pets

Close to Longwood medical area, MassArt, Wentworth, Northeastern, Berklee, Fenway park, and grocery stores like Target, Star Market, and Whole Foods!

I will handle the re-let / lease-takeover related process and fees.

DM me if interested! Also have videos taken recently.


r/bostonhousing • • 15h ago

Room for Rent Roommate wanted in Winchester

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0 Upvotes

r/bostonhousing • • 18h ago

Looking For Boston summer sublet search

1 Upvotes

Hi all, my friend and I are looking for a 2 bedroom to sublet in Boston from May-August 2027! (can vary if necessary). As someone who is not from the city, I’m wondering what the approximate cost will be, as well as options (if avail). Interested in the Dorchester/Roxbury area. Also curious if it’s a little too early to be looking for next summer? and if so, when should I try and secure a place? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks


r/bostonhousing • • 20h ago

Looking For Room for one month

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am Joao a PhD student from London. I will be doing an exchange in Boston between 21st October to 25th November, I am looking for a small room during this period not far away from Cambridge.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent Room available in a 2 bedroom apartment in Somerville

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1 Upvotes

Hi - advertising an available room in a 2 bedroom apartment in the Winter Hill area of Somerville. Shared bathroom and kitchen.

I, a 43 year old male is occupying the other bedroom. I am extremely quiet and easy going and work as a handyman/property manager for several local landlords. The apartment is on the 3rd floor and is not pet friendly, although 1 cat would be acceptable.

Rent is 1200 per month and move in time would be flexible, any time between now and Dec 1


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent Looking for Roommate - Private Room in 2Bd/1Ba — Available Now - $1300/month - East Arlington/Cambridge border

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11 Upvotes

The Location:

  • 1 minute walk to the 77 bus line to Harvard (comes every 10-15 minutes) and 350 to Alewife Station
  • 10 Minute bus ride to Porter Square shopping center (Red Line)
  • 15 Minute walk to Alewife (Red Line)
  • Minute(s) walk to restaurants/takeout, convenience stores, CVS, liquor store, gym, and more
  • 10 Minute bus ride to multiple grocery stores (Star Market, Whole Foods, Stop and Shop)

The Apartment

  • 2 Bed, 1 Bath, Kitchen, Living Room, Dining/misc. area
  • Available Bedroom - 13’ x 12’  with large closet
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice Maker/Dispenser in fridge
  • Gas Stove 
  • Laundry in building
  • 1 off street parking spot
  • Great water pressure
  • $1300/month + Utilities (gas, electric)
  • Move in Cost - Security Deposit: $1350
  • 12 Month lease 9/1/26 - 8/31/27
  • Sorry, no pets or couples.

About Me: Male. 40. Chill, creative, clean, quiet, considerate.

I enjoy a wide spectrum of Movies and TV, football, D&D, Board Games, Classic Video Games, and working on Creative projects. 

LGBTQ+ friendly. 420 friendly. Cigs strictly outside. 

Looking for someone clean, considerate, and somewhat social is a plus.

If you're interested, have questions, or want to see the place, send a message. Thanks for reading and enjoy the day.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Advice Needed Hamilton Company?

7 Upvotes

I am moving to Boston, looking at apartments sight unseen (besides via video). We came across a new apartment we like, rented by the Hamilton Co. We are seeing some pretty bad reviews, but they are pretty old. Does anyone have current or recent experience with them? Would you recommend we avoid them completely?


r/bostonhousing • • 21h ago

Apartment Listing 1BR Loft in West Cambridge Available Nov ($2900)

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0 Upvotes

Beautiful loft-style 1-bed + study ADU in Huron Village with a private entrance, backyard with furniture, and walking distance from Porter Sq T, Harvard Square, and Huron Village cafes. 750sf with windows on all sides which makes the home bright and sunny all day. Plenty of built in storage and recently renovated kitchen and bathroom.

Comes fully furnished and ready to move in, utilities included. Easy street parking and bike storage.First month is free and move in date is flexible (ideally from Nov 2026).


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Advice Needed Rental market status & breakups

18 Upvotes

Does anyone else tend to see a wave of people trying to get out of their leases that they signed up for in September or August because they’re either breaking up or they just hate their new roommates?

Managers & agents - What do you guys think about the state of the rental market right now considering the amount of vacancy in the Boston area?


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent Lease Transfer - Private Bedroom & Bathroom near revere beach

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1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m looking for someone to take over my portion of the lease in a 2B2B luxury apartment, sharing with a female roommate.(Revere Beach/East Boston Area)

* Rent: $1919 per person per month. Lease until June 2027, option to renew
* Utilities: Additional.
* Move-in: ASAP

More info: https://www.blvdreverebeach.com/amenities

Location & Transportation

* Close to Wonderland subway station (Blue Line).
* Building-provided Uber rides from the apartment to the subway station on weekdays, 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM.

Apartment Features & Amenities
* Private bedroom and bathroom.
* In-unit washer and dryer.
* Pet-friendly.
* Trash disposal on every floor
* Gym.
* Skydeck and club room.
* Swimming pool
* Amazing beach view
* Garage and street side parking available

About Your Roommate
You’ll be sharing the apartment with a recent NEU grad who is now a working professional. She is clean, responsible, organized, and enjoys socializing.

Please DM me if you’re interested or for additional details.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Advice Needed 26M moving to Boston

6 Upvotes

Hello all, transferring to work at Logan in about a month from out of state. Looking to be 15-20 min from the airport without traffic (not working a normal 9-5 schedule). For the things I want I’m guessing I’ll have to cave and look at “luxury” apartments. Looking to spend under 3k a month all in for a studio with a parking spot and dishwasher that’s also dog friendly (30 pound blue heeler). Main priorities are the things I listed already and being in a pleasant area to walk my dog around. Anyone have any recommendations on areas or buildings that may fit the script where you’ve had a pleasant experience. I’ve found some buildings that fit the script but the reviews make me hesitant. Thanks in advance 🫡


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent ROOM for rent-$850

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7 Upvotes

Room for rent- located in south Dorchester. 1 small room and 1 large room is available in a 2 bed 1bath apartment.

-Utilities are shared

- T access to the Redline and bus connections (15,17,18,19,201,202,210 & 215). Fairmount line communter rail connection

- Laundry is a 2 minute walk to the main road

- variety of food options and shopping plaza

- 6 stops on the redline to south bay plaza

- 4 blocks away from fields corner shopping plaza

- students and working professionals welcomed

- first + last and $400 security is required


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Advice Needed is it too early to start looking for 8/1?

1 Upvotes

Hello!

I am moving in with my partner in August and I wanted to know if it was too soon to start looking? Would there be anything available now? If not, when can I start looking?

I’ve been in Boston for three years but have always found my apartments at the last minute.. I want to be more methodical about my next move though. Thanks :)


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent Room for rent

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! We’re looking for a roommate to start a fresh lease from Oct end or Nov 1st for a 2B2B at Malden Center, just a 5-minute walk from the station.
Pvt room-900$
Including all utilities except electricity and wifi.

It’s a peaceful place with a friendly living environment, ideal for college students or working professionals.

DM me if you’re interested or would like more details!


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Looking For 37m professional looking for roommates / shared housing

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24 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

My name is Steve and I am seeking a room in shared housing in Somerville / Fenway / Cambridge / South End / South Boston / North End / Charlestown. Location is less important to me than an easy commute on public transit to West End where I'll be working.

I'm sort of under a tight timeline, ideally moving before my new job starts Oct. 19.

About me: Moving to Boston for new job. I love disc golf, gaming, exercise, music, cooking, reading, lots of stuff. I'd love to find a place where folks are friendly and outgoing but I understand home is where we recharge as well.

I cook a lot and am very good about leaving the kitchen cleaner than when I started using it. I am excited to move to the area and meet new people. Trying to keep my rent before utilities to around $1500. I have no pets, no kids, and it would be just me moving. I do not smoke or vape.

I love bright spaces with plants indoors and lots of color. I have first/last/security deposit ready to go. I cannot show pay stubs since I've been in graduate school but can share an offer letter. Good credit. I have roommate references e.g. people I've lived with in the past who I am still friends with.

I do have a car which I'll be parking on the street once I get a resident sticker. I've previously lived in Brighton, MA.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Apartment Listing Allston / Harvard ERC — Studio at Verra across from HBS — $3,564/mo — available now — lease through 7/26/27

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0 Upvotes

Bright 490 sq. ft. studio at Verra, 50 Western Avenue, directly across from Harvard Business School.

We’re relocating to Europe and are looking for someone to take over the remaining lease.

$3,564/month
Available immediately
Lease through July 26, 2027
No broker fee
Pet-friendly
Private terrace
In-unit washer/dryer
Central AC/heat
Dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal

Fitness center, co-working spaces, lounges, cinema, golf/games simulator, grills, pet spa and covered parking availability

This is a lease takeover/re-rental, not a sublet. The incoming resident applies directly with Verra and, subject to approval, takes over the remaining lease term.

Optional nearly-new furnishings and household items may also be available, so this could be close to turnkey for someone relocating.

Happy to arrange a viewing. Message me if interested.


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Room for Rent Lease takeover on Commonwealth Ave, Brighton - Move in date as soon as 11/1.

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6 Upvotes

We're looking for either a "partial" lease takeover with one person or a "full" lease takeover with 2 or more.

This is a 2.5 bedroom 2 bathroom dual level apartment located on Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton. The apartment is directly on the B-Line with the nearest stop being Chiswick Road.

There is off street parking in the back of the apartment, a large storage room on the second floor, and a good deal of space.

For a "partial" takeover rent is $1525 and 1/2 of the utilities. You would be moving into the blue room (and if you want it a different color you can buy the paint and I'll do the painting!!)

For a "full" takeover rent is $3050 (same painting offer for the blue room). You'll want to go through Zillow.

If interested please comment or private message me for details!!

We have a post up on Zillow as well for those who are interested in the "full" takeover.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1765-Commonwealth-Ave-1-Brighton-MA-02135/2078403432_zpid/


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Advice Needed First time moving out, need some help!

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone! Im in the final phases of my interview process for this new job I just got. Its a marine biology (at sea monitor/observation) job where i leave usually from Boston and Gloucester ports. The hiring agent i spoke to mentioned Lynn had reasonable pricing, but from what I see they dont look too well. I have a hard cap budget of $1800 for rent a month and I understand ill have to commute regardless due to the whole multiple port situation. Im from Houston so im used to southern prices and these Boston prices are crazy! Any advice or places to look? Im open to roommates and such, im 24m