Boston, Mass., Mun. Code § 16-52 (2026) § 16-52.1
Purpose
Operative Text
(A) It is the intent of this Section to protect and preserve public safety, security and quiet enjoyment of occupants, abutters and neighborhoods by: (1) Requiring all residential property owners, including lenders, trustees and service companies, to properly maintain vacant and/or foreclosing properties; and (2) Regulating the maintenance of vacant and/or foreclosing residential properties to prevent blighted and unsecure residences. (B) The Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department has enforcement authority pursuant to, inter alia, M.G.L. Chapter 143, Section 3, the commonwealth’s Building Code and the city’s Zoning Code. (C) Delegation of authority: The Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department may delegate enforcement of this Section to any City Department authorized to enforce public safety, health or environmental laws and regulations.
Boston Municipal Code § 16-52 / § 16-52.1 establishes the city's overarching purpose for regulating vacant and foreclosing residential properties. The rule is designed to protect public safety, security, and the quiet enjoyment of residents and neighbors by holding property owners—including lenders, trustees, and servicers—responsible for maintaining such properties. Enforcement authority rests primarily with the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department, who may also delegate that authority to other city departments empowered to enforce public safety, health, or environmental laws.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Boston Municipal Code § 16-52 / § 16-52.1, the category of 'property owner' is defined broadly to include not just traditional owners but also lenders, trustees, and service companies, meaning financial institutions and servicers handling foreclosing properties share maintenance obligations. Compliant operators generally treat a property's vacant or foreclosing status as a trigger for active upkeep rather than a reason to defer maintenance. Because enforcement authority can be delegated across multiple city departments, operators typically expect that inspections and compliance actions may come from more than one agency.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Boston Municipal Code § 16-52 / § 16-52.1 signals that tenants and neighbors in or near vacant or foreclosing properties have a recognized interest in safe, secure, and well-maintained conditions. If a property appears neglected or poses safety concerns, residents can contact the Boston Inspectional Services Department, which holds primary enforcement authority under this section, or another city department to which that authority may have been delegated. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Boston housing law can help occupants understand what maintenance standards apply and what complaint or reporting options are available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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