Accommodation in Boston

Finding accommodation in Boston can be a difficult task. The compact city centre receives an annual influx of university students each September, and this creates a lot of competition for housing. Boston consistently ranks among the country’s most expensive rental markets, and vacancy rates were around 3 percent in 2024 – the lowest of any major US metro area. With a ton of patience and determination, you can find accommodation that suits your needs in Boston.

Areas and suburbs in Boston

There are plenty of neighbourhoods in Boston for house hunters to choose from. When searching for a property, consider the proximity of your home to your workplace and your children’s school. Access to public transport is also essential if you don’t own a vehicle – over a third of Boston residents use public transit for their commute.

If you’re a young professional drawn to Boston’s spectacular waterfront views, East Boston offers more affordable options. This neighbourhood offers beautiful views of Boston’s skyline, sits close to Logan Airport, and provides a quick commute to downtown via the Blue Line. Charlestown, one of Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods, appeals to young professionals who want walkability to downtown offices. The area exudes historic character, with cobblestones and gas street lamps lining streets of renovated red brick rowhouses.

Jamaica Plain suits families, young professionals and singles drawn to the artsy side of life who want to form part of a close-knit community. The neighbourhood boasts the Emerald Necklace park system, a thriving independent food scene, and one of Boston’s most diverse populations. Cambridge – home to Harvard and MIT – ranks as one of the top family-friendly cities in the country. Free universal preschool and excellent schools draw families, while walkable access to Boston suits commuters. Somerville offers a similar appeal at lower prices, and Newton and Fenway are more family-friendly suburbs.

Areas and Suburbs in Boston

Types of accommodation in Boston

The different types of accommodation in Boston include large family homes, apartments and brownstone rowhouses.

Brownstones/rowhouses

Brownstones are mostly historical homes built in the late 1800s. They’re usually three or four storeys high and constructed in rows with street-facing fronts. You’ll find these in affluent areas such as Back Bay, South End, and Beacon Hill, and they are highly sought after. They tend to be on the pricier side. While spacious and well built, brownstones often lack lifts, central air conditioning or off-street parking. Car owners should take note.

Apartments

Boston has a variety of apartment types, from high-rise residential blocks to more exclusive condo and loft options. Modern buildings typically include air conditioning, central heating and in-unit laundry, while older buildings may have shared facilities. Apartments near downtown are popular with university students, which results in high turnover rates – particularly in May, June and July when students move out for the summer.

Detached houses

Detached or stand-alone houses in Boston cluster in the outer suburbs like Hyde Park, Newton and West Roxbury. There are many options, from large family homes to smaller units. Houses can be expensive in Boston, but students often share them to split costs. Demand peaks before the September academic year starts, so expect competition if you’re house hunting in the summer months.

Finding accommodation in Boston

Finding accommodation in Boston means using several resources. Online property portals like Boston Pads, Apartments.com, Zillow and SpotEasy provide up-to-date listings and help you gauge market rates. Some relocating professionals have corporate relocation services through their employers. These companies shortlist properties, coordinate viewings and negotiate terms.

Another option is to use an estate agent (also known as a realtor or broker), although this comes with costs. As of 2025, Massachusetts law requires that whoever hires the broker pays the broker’s fee – if the landlord hires the broker to list the property, they must pay the fee. If you hire your own broker to represent you in your search, you’ll pay their fee, which typically equals one month’s rent.

Useful links

• Boston Pads
• Apartments.com
• Zillow: Boston
• SpotEasy

Renting accommodation in Boston

Once you’ve found your ideal home, you’ll need to make an application to rent. If approved, you’ll then sign the lease and pay the deposit.

Making an application

With high demand for accommodation in Boston, landlords can be selective about tenants. Landlords typically ask for proof of income – generally three times the monthly rent – along with references and employment verification. Credit checks are standard practice.

Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from charging application fees, so you shouldn’t pay anything to apply. Given the low vacancy rates, move quickly when you find a property that suits you. Desirable apartments disappear within hours, especially before September when students flood the market.

Leases

Leases in Boston typically run for 12 months, with the majority starting on 1 September to align with the academic calendar. At the end of the rental term, leases can be renewed or ended by either party. Check your lease for specific notice periods.

Deposits

Massachusetts law limits what landlords can collect upfront. You’ll typically pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit (capped at one month’s rent), and the cost of changing the locks. Landlords cannot legally require any other fees or deposits.

The security deposit must be held in a separate, interest-bearing account, and you’re entitled to receive annual interest statements. Within 10 days of moving in, your landlord must provide a Statement of Condition that documents any existing damage or defects in the premises. Review it and add your own notes – this will protect you when moving out.

Terminating the lease

If you need to end your lease early, check your contract for specific terms – some leases include early termination clauses with associated fees. You’re generally going to be liable for rent until the lease expires unless you sublet (if permitted) or the landlord finds a new tenant.

Standard notice periods require 30 days’ written notice if you’re on a month-to-month tenancy. At the end of your tenancy, landlords have 30 days to either return your security deposit in full or provide a detailed, itemised list of deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Read Accommodation in the USA for more on national rental processes.

Useful links

• Massachusetts Attorney General: Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights
• City of Boston: Renting in Boston

Utilities in Boston

Utilities in Boston vary by lease, so be sure to check what you’re responsible for before signing. Tenants typically pay their own utility bills, although some landlords include certain utilities in the rent.

Electricity

Electricity in Boston is supplied through a deregulated market. Most Boston residents are automatically enrolled in Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE), the city’s municipal aggregation programme that often offers lower rates than standard utility pricing. Alternatively, you can opt out and purchase directly from Eversource or choose a third-party competitive supplier. Third-party suppliers often mislead residents and charge higher rates.

Eversource Energy manages electricity delivery and billing throughout Boston, regardless of which supplier you choose. To set up service, contact Eversource online or by phone with your new address, phone number and email address. Set up an online account to manage payments and track usage.

Gas

Gas in Boston is provided by National Grid (operating as Boston Gas Company). Schedule your service activation at least a week before moving in – a technician will need to physically turn on the gas and conduct a safety inspection. Call National Grid’s customer service line during weekday working hours to arrange this appointment.

Pay your gas bills online through National Grid’s website, via bank transfer or in person at various locations. Budget billing helps smooth out seasonal spikes – Boston’s cold winters push heating costs up sharply.

Water

Water in Boston comes from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, and it is managed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and distributed by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC). To activate the service, you’ll need a valid account number and activation code provided by your landlord. Pay bills online, by post, in person at a BWSC office, or through their automated phone system.

Bins and recycling

Bins and recycling in Boston are managed by the City of Boston Public Works Department. Download the free Trash Day App to find your collection schedule and see what’s recyclable. Place bins outside after 5pm the evening before collection day, or by 6am on collection day itself. You’re responsible for purchasing and replacing your own bins if they’re damaged.

For hazardous household waste, check the city’s published collection schedules. Appliances require a scheduled pickup – request this online or by calling Public Works, although a fee applies. Furniture can go out with your regular rubbish on collection day at no extra charge. Mattresses need separate scheduling – Massachusetts law requires them to be recycled.

The city provides recycling containers for buildings with six units or fewer. Larger buildings arrange their own containers through property managers. Boston operates a single-stream recycling system – place metal, glass, paper, plastic and cardboard together, but note that plastic bags and polystyrene aren’t accepted. The Trash Day App includes a searchable directory showing what’s recyclable and what isn’t.

Useful links

• Eversource: Residential Electricity Services
• Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE): Information and Rates
• National Grid: Massachusetts Natural Gas Service
• Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC)
• City of Boston: Trash and Recycling Services
• Trash Day App: Download and Schedule Information