Facts about renting in Boston as told by this real estate agent

Topics Covered:

1. 10 Things to know about renting in Boston

2. Requirements to rent in Boston: What paperwork, and what money?

Boston is one of the most sought-after cities in the US to live in, thanks to its numerous colleges, strong job market and cosmopolitan social makeup.

Purchasing a home in Boston is very expensive, hence for many, the first step to setting up life here is renting. How to rent? Who to engage? How much money to prepare?

Read on for your ultimate guide to renting in Boston, and should you wish to know more about Boston’s real estate market, visit Joan’s website here.

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1. 10 Things to know about renting in Boston

When to look?

1. The rental cycle is tied to schooling semesters. Leases are typically for 1 year. If you’re renting in/near the city, expect to start on 1 Sept and end on 31 Aug.

2. Start looking in May if you’re looking to rent in towns where jobs/schools are concentrated - Allston, Brighton, Cambridge, Downtown Boston, Fenway, Newton, Somerville, Watertown. Units are often listed as tenanted and ready for occupancy in August/September.

What do rental units come with?

3. Units do not typically come furnished. Read this if you’re looking to get furniture.

4. It is common to see older buildings with shared laundry (washer and dryer) in the basement. Payment per wash or dry cycle can be expected, between $2-2.50 (2025).

5. Rents will be at a premium if you have these amenities: in-unit laundry, assigned parking, central AC, and of course, concierge.

6. Heat and/or water may not be included, though sometimes in older buildings they could - ask. Tenants most certainly pay for gas, electricity, and WIFI. Here’s a tip about getting WIFI.

Do you need a real estate agent?

7. You do not need a real estate agent (although there’re benefits to getting professional help). If you choose not to be represented by one, do watch out for scams- do not reveal your SSN/driver’s ID/bank info, and do not transfer money unless you’re 100% sure of legitimacy. If the conversation seems forced or fishy, abort! See the screenshot below.

8. The landlord may or may not have a real estate agent representing the lease. It’s rare to be dealing with an agent if you’re looking to sublet a room. Landlords typically have agent representation when it comes to rentals above $3,500.

How to go about searching for places to rent?

9. If you’re working with a real estate agent, your agent’s got you covered. Your search criteria will be input in the agent’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is the professional platform in which agents input primary data about listings. You’ll be notified upon having a matched search. Other popular platforms for rentals include: Zillow, Apartments.com and HotPads.

10. Sites that most frequently have scams: Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

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Requirements to rent in Boston: What paperwork and what money?

What happens after you’ve seen the place and are interested in renting? You’ll be informed of the paperwork that you’ll need to submit in order to be considered.

While there’s no “standard paperwork” of what’s required, they often comprise of the following:

• Filled Rental Application form (e.g. this)

• Copy of Passport/Driver’s License

• Proof of funds (Boston landlords like to see an income that is 3X of rent, though this isn’t a hard and fast rule)

  • 2 most recent paystubs

  • W-2

  • Letter of employment (if newly employed or pending employment)

• Credit report, if applicable

• Previous landlord reference, if applicable

Tenants should prepare a sum of money that is at least 3 months of rent at the onset. These amounts will be used for:

• First month’s rent

• Last month’s rent

• 1 month’s sum for the security deposit (read about laws governing the security deposit here)

• Additional sum: 1/2 to 1 month’s rent if you plan on hiring an agent*

Yes, best to budget 4 months’ rent at the beginning so that you’re not shocked when asked for these amounts. While there are instances of landlords requiring no more than the 1st month’s rent, these instances are few and far between.

At the end of your tenancy, you’ll get your security deposit back if there are no unusual damages to the property.

*New law on tenant-paid broker’s fees as of August 1, 2025:
Before this law, tenants were often responsible for paying a one-month broker fee, which covered both the landlord’s and the tenant’s agents. Under the new rule, landlords can no longer require tenants to pay this fee. Instead, landlords and tenants are each responsible for compensating the agent they choose to hire.

Need housing assistance? Reach out to Joan Bissdorf.