Boston, Mass., Mun. Code § 16-52 (2026) § 16-52.5
Inspections
Operative Text
The Inspectional Services Department shall have the authority and the duty to inspect properties subject to this Section for compliance and to issue citations for any violations. The Inspectional Services Department shall have the discretion to determine when and how such inspections are to be made; provided that their policies are reasonably calculated to ensure that this Section is enforced.
Boston Municipal Code § 16-52 / § 16-52.5 grants the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) both the authority and the obligation to inspect rental properties covered by this section and to issue citations when violations are found. The department retains discretion over the timing and methods of those inspections, as long as its policies are reasonably designed to achieve enforcement of the section. In short, the rule creates a mandatory inspection and citation function while giving ISD flexibility in how it carries that function out.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Boston Municipal Code § 16-52 / § 16-52.5, the Inspectional Services Department can inspect a covered property at any time and issue citations for any violations it finds. Operators who maintain properties in continuous compliance with the underlying requirements are generally better positioned when ISD exercises its inspection authority. Keeping records of maintenance, repairs, and corrective actions can help demonstrate that a property meets the standards the department is charged with enforcing.
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 / § 16-52.5 gives tenants an important backstop: the Inspectional Services Department is not merely permitted but required to inspect covered properties and issue citations for violations. Tenants who believe their housing does not meet the applicable standards may contact ISD to request an inspection or report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations in Boston can also help residents understand what conditions are covered under this section and what complaint or enforcement paths may be 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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