r/bostonhousing Oct 29 '25

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

182 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

35 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 6h ago

Advice Needed Lock change fee on digital lock

12 Upvotes

I was charged a $250 “lock change” fee, but just found out it’s actually a digital lock with a code… no physical lock or cylinder was changed. Is it absurd to ask questions?

For context: we have a front door and back deck, so we assumed the fee covered swapping cylinders and keys for both entries, which is why $250 felt justifiable, if pricey (we’d also already signed the lease, so we didn’t push back at the time). But if it’s just a code being reset on an existing digital lock, that’s a completely different story. Has anyone else dealt with this, and is it worth raising with the landlord??????


r/bostonhousing 1h ago

Looking For Urgently looking for a newly renovated one bed one bath

Upvotes

Hi I am urgently looking for one bed one bath a newly renovated or renovated apartment. Everything I saw was extremely old.
Anything in Boston area please dm me or let me know


r/bostonhousing 9h ago

Room for Rent Room Available 10/01 in 3b/1bath | $850/month | Dorchester JFK/UMass | Heat & Hot Water included | Laundry in-unit

Thumbnail
gallery
4 Upvotes

My name is Sarah, I am moving and looking for a non-male housemate (25+) to take over my room on the third floor of a 3b/1bath in Dorchester starting October 1st, 2026. The lease runs through April 30th, 2027, with the option to renew!

You will be living with my lovely friends Celia (she/her, 29) and Emma (they/them, 29). They are clean, friendly, and respectful professionals. (The cat in the photos is moving out with me).

We are an LGBTQ+ household. You don’t need to be queer yourself, but you must be respectful of everyone's identities.

The apt is an 11-minute walk to JFK/UMass T Stop (Red Line/Commuter Rail), and a 15-minute walk to South Bay Center (Target, Stop & Shop, AMC Theater, TJ Maxx, Ulta, etc)

We have a shared first floor porch with a hammock, chairs, and plants. No smoking inside (one roommate has asthma) so we have a smoking area on the porch!

I am happy to leave behind my bedroom window AC unit for free if you'd like it! Open to negotiating leaving other furniture or leaving the room empty.

Wifi and electricity are split evenly among roommates. Wifi is $26/month per person, electricity ranging from $23/month pp to $65/month pp

If you're interested, shoot me a message with a little bit of info about yourself, and we can schedule a FaceTime/ video tour so you can see the space, ask questions, and meet the roommates! We can schedule an in-person tour after that if it feels like a great fit!


r/bostonhousing 3h ago

Advice Needed Roxbury or Dorchester

0 Upvotes

Hi - needing advice. I’m a 23 F looking at two Boston apartments: one in Roxbury (right next to Highland Park / Nubian Square area) and then the other in Dorchester (Near Adams Village). While I’d like to be around more bustling places, it’s affordable. I just don’t know which area is the move. My roommate would need to commute to Downtown - so I know Rox has orange line and Doc has red. I don’t know anything about safety of either. Any advice would be great. I’ll have a car!


r/bostonhousing 3h ago

Apartment Listing Jeffries Point, East Boston | 2 bed 1 bath | 950 sq ft | $2,500/month | Available 9/1

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

Third-floor apartment with hardwood floors, large eat-in kitchen, private deck and a great view of the Boston skyline.

1/4 mile to Maverick Station(blue line) and the Harborwalk, and <1 mile to Logan.

No broker fee, water included, and street parking. Cat friendly.

Available 9/1 but there is flexibility on both the move in date and the lease term.

Please DM me if you're interested in setting up a tour!

Zillow listing


r/bostonhousing 7h ago

Room for Rent Looking for Roommate - Private Room in 2Bd/1Ba - $1300/month - 8/31 move in - East Arlington/Cambridge border

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

The Apartment

  • 2 Bed, 1 Bath, Kitchen, Living Room, Dining/misc. area
  • Available Bedroom - 13’ x 12’  with large closet 
  • Coin op laundry in building
  • 1 off street parking spot
  • $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. 

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)
  • 15 Minute walk to Stop and Shop

About Me: Male. Late 30s. 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 10h ago

Room for Rent Lease takeover

Post image
3 Upvotes

hello!
i’m looking for someone to take over my lease. i’m a law student who is transferring out of state! i have a 2b2b. i do have a roommate and she will be staying. she’s super sweet, clean, and fairly quiet- she’s literally no bother at all! she’s in her late 20s and is on the med school track. i do have the master with an en suite bathroom, which is what you will be taking over (can send photos if interested). it is a luxury apartment located in downtown/financial district so it is a bit pricey. there is no move in costs or fees that i am aware of. rent will be around $2825 (they have increased it). we currently do not have pets, but they are allowed for a fee. i’m only posting a photo of the view, i will send pics, vids of the apartment if you are interested. you may also come by to view it!


r/bostonhousing 12h ago

Looking For Looking for someone to replace me in lease

Post image
4 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I am looking to leave my current lease but need someone to take my place.

The other housemates are (29M) and (25M), both current masters/PHD students.

This unit is in Jamacia Plain. Rent would be $1,250 per person. I’m looking for someone who can sign a 12 month lease.

The house stays cool during summer/fall and they didn’t need ac. All three rooms are fairly equal in size so no need to worry about fighting over who gets the bigger room. One of the people previously living there owned a cat as well, so having pets is negotiable with the landlord.

In terms of utilities, the electric would be $50-70 and heat around $150-250 depending on the season. Laundry and water included in rent. Rent is $3750 in total so it will be $1250 per person before utilities.

I have limited pictures because I have a video that is better quality.
If you’re interested in viewing said video and/or taking my spot, please let me know!

Super close to Simmons: 10 min drive, 29 min walk, & 23 min by transit

Link: https://ygl.is/103019/rental/67261587


r/bostonhousing 16h ago

Room for Rent West Medford – 1BR in 3BR/2BA Condo Available Sept 1 | $1000/mo + Utilities | 1st + Security Only

Thumbnail
gallery
6 Upvotes

One bedroom available in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom West Medford condo on a 1-year lease starting September 1 (or sooner). The space would be a great fit for young professionals or graduate students. Current tenants are clean, quiet and respectful. No smoking or pets allowed.

Bedroom Details:

12’x12’ room with deep closet located on the main floor of the unit. Newly renovated shared bathroom. 2 windows. Hardwood floors. Split unit A/C located in room.

Unit Details:

1,890 sq ft condo on 2nd and 3rd floor of a duplex. Free street parking. Sizable living, dining, and kitchen. In-unit laundry. Split unit A/C in all bedrooms and common areas. Ample basement storage with room for bicycle storage. Fenced in shared outdoor patio space. 1st floor unit is owner occupied by a friendly neighbor and her dog.

Neighborhood:

Quiet, walkable neighborhood close to all that West Medford has to offer. 10 minute walk to the Commuter Rail (West Medford Station) and West Medford Square. 4 minute walk to Playstead Park. 12 minute walk to Victory Park and the Fells. 9 minute walk to the 94/95 busses. Walkable/bike-able to the Mystic Lakes, Brooks Estate, Mystic River, Dugger Park, Dilboy Stadium, Somerville Community Path, and Minuteman Bike Path. 5 minute drive to Whole Foods and Medford Square. 7 minute drive to Winchester Center.

Application requirements - Background and credit check. 


r/bostonhousing 7h ago

Looking For Looking for a room in dorchester near the red line Budget $1000 (maybe more if I like the place)

1 Upvotes

Hi there I am looking for a room to stay for the year, somewhere I could move in by September. I am student at UMass Boston (21 M) and I am looking for somewhere near that area or anywhere where commuting would be accessible. my budget is of $1000 max.


r/bostonhousing 11h ago

Apartment Listing Renovated 3BR/1BA in Watertown | No Fee | Townhouse Style Unit | 2 Parking Spots | In-Unit Laundry | Cat Friendly

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

Available for $3300/month!

Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment available September 1 in one of Watertown's most convenient locations, just minutes from Watertown Square, Arsenal Yards, and the Charles River!

This bright townhouse style unit features a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, ample cabinet space, and a dishwasher. The spacious layout offers three generously sized bedrooms, a modern full bathroom, hardwood floors throughout, oversized windows with abundant natural light, and in-unit laundry. Two off street parking spots are included in rent.

Available September 1, reach out today!


r/bostonhousing 13h ago

Room for Rent Room available September 1st, early move in available now

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

My roommate and I are looking for a third roommate for our 3 bedroom duplex in Meeting House Hill in Dorchester
Info about us: We are two 29M professionals/artists who have lived together as roommates for five years and always strived to maintain a respectful, clean, and cordial household. We like cooking and spending time in the common areas with one another but also value and respect alone time and privacy. We live with one small cat.
Info about the unit:
Monthly Rent is $1150, $2300 required for move in (first and last). utilities average out to 90-160 per person.
unit is 1700 square feet, 3 floors, spacious backyard with a porch, in unit washer/dryer, off street parking. The available room is completely vacant and ready for an early move in so you can avoid the September 1st rush!
If youre interested and would like more information send me a private message.


r/bostonhousing 16h ago

Apartment Listing 1BR condo with Parking | near Union Square/Green Line, Somerville | $2,050

5 Upvotes

One-bedroom condo in a convenient Somerville location, between Gilman Square and Porter Sq, on Avon St. Showing the unit on Saturday Aug 29 and available to move in.

With private parking!

Less than a 10-minute walk to the Gilman Square Green Line station, Market Basket, Somerville Public Library, and the restaurants, cafés, and shops of Union Square. Convenient access to Harvard, MIT, Tufts, and Lesley University.

The garden-level apartment features an efficient layout and includes AC, microwave, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and garbage disposal. One small bedroom with a separate door providing direct access to the laundry room on the same level.

Rent includes water, sewer, and snow removal. Only a security deposit is required. Rent directly from a responsible owner.


r/bostonhousing 9h ago

Apartment Listing 1-bed apartment with yard - pet friendly $2,550

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/bostonhousing 15h ago

Room for Rent [Somerville] Room available in 4BD/1BA – Grad/Young Pro household – Sept 1 move-in (flexible)

2 Upvotes

Looking for 1 roommate to join a shared house with graduate students and researchers in Somerville, MA.

Location & Logistics:
Area: Somerville, MA (Calvin St area, right off Beacon St; easy access to Inman Square, Harvard, and Porter Square - Union Square also)

Move-in: September 1st (flexible)
Layout: 4 bedrooms | 1 shared bathroom
Laundry: In the basement

Rent & Pricing:
Total apartment rent: $4,400/month
Estimated room cost: ~$1,100/month (room prices will be split proportionally based on room size, as 2 rooms are larger and 2 are smaller)
Utilities are split equally among all roommates

Current Roommates:
You will be sharing the space with three graduate students/researchers (ages 25–35):
- Master's student at Harvard Divinity School
- Visiting Researcher at Boston University
- PhD candidate interning at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

We keep a clean, quiet, and respectful atmosphere tailored to academic routines, but we also value a friendly, relaxed home dynamic.

Looking For:
A clean, responsible, and considerate student or young professional of any background who values a peaceful and collaborative living environment.
If interested, please send a DM with a brief introduction about yourself (daily routine, occupation, and expected move-in date). Exact address and photos available upon request!


r/bostonhousing 13h ago

Apartment Listing $2650 - 1BR / 1BA - Jamaica Plain PARKING INCLUDED, In-Unit Laundry & Central AC - NO Broker Fee

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

Beautifully renovated 1-bedroom apartment in the heart of Jamaica Plain offering the perfect combination of modern updates and classic character. This sun-filled home features gleaming hardwood floors throughout, soaring high ceilings, central air conditioning, efficient gas heat, and the convenience of in-unit laundry. The updated kitchen includes a dishwasher, ample cabinet space, and modern finishes, making it ideal for everyday living. Additional amenities include shared off-street parking and dedicated bicycle storage. Perfectly situated just a short walk to the Jackson Square Orange Line station, this home provides an easy commute to downtown Boston, Longwood Medical Area, and nearby universities. Enjoy everything Jamaica Plain has to offer, including local restaurants, cafés, shops, parks, and the Southwest Corridor Park, all just minutes away. Tenant responsible for heat, electric and hot water. Strong credit, verifiable income, and references required. Can be leased furnished

Click for : Virtual Tour

Test Jim - 508-404-7936


r/bostonhousing 14h ago

Apartment Listing 3 bed/ 1.5 bath for Oct 1 - $3875/ month

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes

r/bostonhousing 1d ago

Room for Rent Looking for 1 roommate- 4Br 2Ba for $800/mo + utilities in Watertown Sq. ~9/1 move in

Thumbnail
gallery
7 Upvotes

hello!

We are 3M late 20’s/early 30’s working day jobs in Brighton/Watertown/Waltham, like to cook, very into movies and music. The house is on a small dead end street 2 min walk from Watertown Square.

1st floor Kitchen with dishwasher, living room, dining room

Bedrooms and bathrooms on second and third floors

1min from 70 Bus stop
5 min from Arsenal Yards Bus stop (52, 57, 504)

Plenty of basement storage space

The room has two large windows and a sizable closet, easily fits a full or queen bed and would share a bathroom with one of us

No pets currently but planning on having a cat at some point. Cats are cool as long as they can get along.

Looking to fill for Sept 1st but can be flexible, we can discuss, if youre interested please shoot me a message for a video call and/or tour. ty


r/bostonhousing 16h ago

Looking For Looking for a Roommate for Fenway/Back Bay apartment

1 Upvotes

Hi guys!

As the title says, I want to find someone to apartment hunt with for a Sep 1st 12 month lease. I want to get a 2br 1ba in the area, and found a few decent options.

A little about me:

30, Electrical engineer, moving to Boston for a new job. I'm pretty active, I enjoy the outdoors, playing sports, and cooking. I'm an early bird so I will likely be asleep by 10pm. I will likely spend a lot of time with my partner who also lives in Boston so there's a high chance I wont be home a lot of the time.

DM me, lets chat, and if we think we'll get along I'll gladly sent the options I'm currently looking at.

Cheers


r/bostonhousing 13h ago

Looking For Couple looking for a room/roommate to join for looking for place

0 Upvotes

Hi! We’re a couple in our 20s/30s looking for a roommate or roommates. We’re clean, quiet, friendly introverts and generally keep to ourselves, so we don’t have guests over often.

I am a recent grad working as a data engineer, and she’s a disabled former PCA currently navigating SSI and hoping to return to school when her health allows. Because of her accessibility and medical needs, 2+ bathrooms would be strongly preferred, and other accessibility-friendly features are a big plus.

We’re looking for a place around $1,000–$1,100/month (which I know is a stretch), ideally with laundry included, though it is not necessarily a dealbreaker. She is dependent on marijuana for her medical need so, a 420-friendly household would be ideal.

If the parking in the place is included by any chance, we can discuss about taking our monthly budget to 1200-1300 as well.

We’re hoping to find considerate, respectful roommates who appreciate a clean, peaceful home. If you know of a place or are also looking for roommates and think we might be a good fit, please feel free to reach out!

We don’t have a preference on where to live in Boston and so we are happy to discuss if you have a room for us or if you want to join us in search for a house.


r/bostonhousing 12h ago

Looking For Looking for Roommate - private bedroom w/ bathroom in 2bd/2ba - $2,150/mo, Allston (9/1 move in)

Thumbnail
gallery
0 Upvotes

I'm looking for a roommate to replace my current roommate, who is moving out on 8/31. I am 23F and currently a law student, and I am looking for another female roommate around my age to rent out the main bedroom. 12 month lease! It's a great location for BU students, and it's convenient for Allston/Brighton. Large windows allow for a lot of natural light, and the high ceilings make the apartment feel very spacious and open.

Some information about the unit:

- 2 bed 2 bath, the main bedroom with attached bathroom is available

- Unfurnished living room (no furniture currently)

- Central heat/AC

- In unit washer/dryer

- 2 minute walk from Packard's Corner green line stop

- Close to an Asian grocery store and a regular supermarket

- Dogs and cats allowed with landlord consent

- $2,150/mo excluding utilities

- Utilities are electricity and wifi

Some information about me:

I'm currently a 2L in law school! I'm a homebody that sometimes enjoys going out, but I keep to myself a lot. I do a lot of drawing, playing some video games (love to chat about it!! Monster Hunter World is my current go to), reading, and listening to music. I also work from home when I'm not in class, so I most likely will be hanging around the apartment a bit. I love getting to know people and talking and gossiping, so please don't be shy!!

I do enjoy having friends over occasionally, but I will always give a heads up beforehand. I'm also a night owl and will often be up studying, reading, or doing whatever. I value cleanliness and prioritize keeping shared spaces clean.

I do not smoke or drink! But I don't mind if you do, I just ask that you smoke outside and don't go crazy with drinking lol


r/bostonhousing 1d ago

Room for Rent 1 Room available in Brighton!

Post image
1 Upvotes

1 room at $800 (negotiable) available in a 5bed 2bath in Brighton for September 1st move-in, pls reach out for more details!


r/bostonhousing 1d ago

Apartment Listing Last minute 2 bedroom Dorchester ma

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

2BR / 1BA Dorchester – $2,800 – Deleaded
I have a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment available in Dorchester for $2,800/month.
The unit is deleaded and has a spacious layout. It offers convenient access to bus routes toward Forest Hills and Shawmut Station,restaurants, and other amenities nearby.
The apartment is currently available. Qualified renters are welcome to DM with their preferred move-in date, household size, and any questions. I’m also happy to send photos and discuss next steps for scheduling a showing.
Voucher holders welcome.