Boston, Mass., Mun. Code § 16-52 (2026) § 16-52.3
Registration of Vacant and/or Foreclosing Residential Properties; Duty to Provide Written Notice of Vacant, Residential Property and/or Mortgage Foreclosure
Operative Text
(A) All owners must register vacant and/or foreclosing residential properties with the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department on forms provided by the Commissioner. All registrations must state the individual owner’s or Agent’s phone number and mailing address located within the commonwealth as required by M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 57D, M.G.L. Chapter 156D, Section 5.02 and 950 CMR 113.20. The mailing address may not be a post office box. This registration must also certify that the property was inspected and identify whether the property is vacant at the time of filing. If the property is vacant, the owner and/or registrant must designate and retain a local individual or local property management company responsible for the security and maintenance of the property. This designation must state the individual or company’s name, phone number and local mailing address. The mailing address may not be a post office box. If the property is in the process of foreclosure, then the registration must be received within seven days of the initiation of the foreclosure process as defined in Subsection 16-52.2. If the Commissioner determines that the property is vacant and that foreclosure proceedings have not been initiated, the registration must be received within 14 days of the Commissioner’s first citation for improper maintenance. (B) All property registrations are valid for one calendar year. An annual registration fee of $100 must accompany the registration form. Subsequent annual registrations and fees are due within 30 days of the expiration of the previous registration and must certify whether the foreclosing and/or foreclosed property remains vacant or not. (C) Once the property is no longer vacant or is sold, the owner must provide proof of sale or written notice and proof of occupancy to the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department. (D) The Inspectional Services Department shall maintain a list of properties registered pursuant to this Section and make it available to the public upon request. The list of registered properties shall also be made accessible through the city’s website and updated as practicable.
Boston Municipal Code § 16-52 § 16-52.3 establishes a registration system for vacant and/or foreclosing residential properties in Boston. Owners must file with the Inspectional Services Department, pay a $100 annual fee, and provide contact information—including a non-P.O.-box mailing address—for themselves and a designated local contact responsible for security and maintenance. Registration deadlines vary: within seven days of initiating foreclosure, or within 14 days of a first citation for improper maintenance if the property is vacant without active foreclosure proceedings. Once a property is sold or reoccupied, the owner must notify the Commissioner with supporting documentation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of vacant or foreclosing residential properties in Boston must comply with the registration requirements of § 16-52 § 16-52.3 by submitting the appropriate forms to the Inspectional Services Department along with the $100 annual fee. A compliant operator designates a local individual or property management company—with a physical mailing address—to oversee security and maintenance of any vacant property. Registrations must be renewed within 30 days of expiration, and owners generally update the Commissioner when a property's status changes, such as upon sale or reoccupancy, to keep the public registry accurate.
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 § 16-52.3 creates a publicly accessible registry of vacant and foreclosing residential properties, which tenants and community members can request from the Inspectional Services Department or view on the city's website. If a neighboring or formerly occupied property appears to be improperly maintained or unregistered, residents can contact the Inspectional Services Department to report potential violations of this provision. Tenants concerned about how this rule may affect their housing situation can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service for guidance on available options.
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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