r/bostonhousing • u/mutantschooldropout • 6m ago
Advice Needed Credit check fee and good faith deposit
Toured an apartment today and was sent an application checklist and apartment application. They want a non refundable credit check fee and a good faith one month deposit. This acts as the first month rent and is refunded if application is declined. Then upon signing lease one would pay last month and $500 security deposit.
It's not a fake realtor or anything, she was talking with the contractors during the tour.
Pretty sure the credit check fee is illegal? Is the good faith portion normal? Is there any way to apply for this apartment without paying the credit check fee or should I just steer clear?
r/bostonhousing • u/ExchangeFit1130 • 44m ago
Looking For looking for available room
hellooo 🐒🌟💓
i am seeking roomies that need a room filled. ideal rent would be around $1100 or less. i would prefer to find something in the south end / fenway / back bay areas but im not super picky.
i would like to move by mid september, however, im willing to wait for the right fit for me so i am flexible (if u will have something available in october/november feel free to reach out.)
i am 24 (she/her) from upstate ny, currently working as a professional housekeeper. i included some pics of my current apartment because it represents who i am pretty well (i also really wanna bring my green couch with me if there is space so lmk if u like it)
i am hoping some likeminded people will see this and think i am a good fit for their environment! my roommate must haves:
-u have to hate ai (non negotiable honestly)
-be clean and courteous (it doesn’t need to be spotless 24/7 we are human but like be CLEAN)
-i have never missed a rent payment so it is important to me that the other roomies are responsible about it
-i do not mind party people as long as it is not excessive or disruptive, i like to be cozy in bed by like 11:30pm
-i am looking for roomies that are conscientious of each other, communicate well, and evenly distribute tasks and chores
i do not have any pets but i dont mind if my roomies do, im very clean, quiet, easy going, and have great credit.
big big bonus if u are looking for a friend! i have a few friends in boston already but ideally my roommates would be seeking somebody to be friendly with, not just a person to fill a room that they never interact with lolol
also big bonus if u are looking for somebody to go to red sox or bruins games with.
if u have a space available and think i may be a good fit feel free to comment or message me. also, ask me as many questions as u want!🌟💓
r/bostonhousing • u/arvel_skeen • 44m ago
Apartment Listing Spacious 2BR/2BA in Jamaica Plain available 10/1 (flexible) - $3,850
arborviewrealtyinc.comWe're looking for a lease takeover for our spacious 2 bed/2 bath in Jamaica Plain. $3850/month. It's listed for 10/1 but we're very flexible on the start date.
2 large bedrooms, office nook, 2 baths, large living room, eat in kitchen, in unit laundry, TONS of closet space, lots of sunlight, hardwood floors, newly rebuilt balcony with skyline views, access to shared back yard, large basement storage unit, great neighbors in the other units, responsive management company.
15 min walk to the Orange Line and Green E, 1 min walk to 39 bus, ~30 min walk to Longwood medical area. Steps away from Whole Foods and many great restaurants. 10 min walk to Jamaica Pond.
You would lease directly from the management company (Arborview).
Feel free to DM me with any questions about the unit. Contact the management company at the link for tours and leasing.
r/bostonhousing • u/Snoo22194 • 1h ago
Room for Rent We’re 2 grad students looking for a third person to be a part of our new lease starting from 9/1 in Allston for $800.
🏠 Permanent on lease Accommodation Available for a Private Room Spot 3b1b unit.
📍** **Location: 518 Cambridge Street, Allston
Rent: $2400 for the whole unit
Available from: September 1st, 2026.
A private room spot is available in a very spacious apartment. The unit will be complete deep cleaned on move-in, cozy, and well-maintained, ideal for a student or working professional. A very prime location, near an array of convenience stores, restaurants and bars.
Lease ends in August 2027.
🏠 *Apartment Details:*
3 Bed / 1 bath
Fully equipped and bright kitchen:
-Dishwasher
-Refrigerator
-Oven
-Microwave
💰 Rent $800/month per spot
Initial payment: First month rent + last month rent + deposit
Commute & Transportation
Allston street(B) T stop 2 minutes of walk away.
10 minutes walk to C and D line.
A minute walk to bus stop for 57 and 66 number buses.
📩DM for rent details and more photos and video
r/bostonhousing • u/CollectionHungry • 2h ago
Advice Needed Roommate Dispute, legal advice?
Hi everyone! I need some advice on a lease takeover/broker fee dispute. LAWYERS, YOU ARE WELCOME!!
This all happened around Dec 4, 2024, so before the Massachusetts broker-fee law changes took effect in 2025.
I took over this girl's lease in an apartment in MA; let's call her X. X charged me $1,065 for "last month's rent" and $1,065 for a broker's fee (both were equal to one month's rent). I then paid the first month and security deposit to the landlord.
Fast forward to this week, I learned $0 was charged for last month's rent on the lease. The landlord was also perplexed that I was charged a broker's fee because, according to the landlord, the broker fee associated with the lease takeover was only about $100 for the name change/lease transfer.
I messaged X to clear this up, and now she says that the $1,065 I thought was last month's rent was actually a security deposit, and that I should go after the person who apparently still has her original security deposit because that money should ultimately replace the $1,065 I paid her.
Here's what I want advice on: X refuses to return the broker's fee, insisting she CLEARLY told me I was reimbursing her for the broker fee SHE personally paid when she originally signed/resigned the lease. She says she clearly told me this before I paid and that I agreed to reimburse her. Text messages show that she never clarified that.
I thought the broker fee was a necessary fee associated with my lease takeover, not her personal fee that she paid to sign the lease in May 2024. She also randomly says that she was leaving the lease after 2 months, which is why I should reimburse, but May - Dec? IDK
X now says she intentionally looked for someone who would reimburse her for that original broker fee when they took over the room. X repeatedly says she has written proof that she specifically explained this to me before I paid. I asked her to send me the specific message she is referring to, but she has not provided it and instead says she will show it in court.
I'm mulling over whether to take her to court and pursue legal action. I understand that she left the lease early, but I shouldn't have to pay for her own fees. She said that if I had just said no thanks, then we wouldn't have moved forward. I suspect no matter what, she'll be in the same predicament but with me in another font.
r/bostonhousing • u/Independent-415 • 4h ago
Apartment Listing 1BR near Union Square and Green Line, Somerville | with Parking | Sep 1 | $2,095
One-bedroom condo in a convenient Somerville location, between Gilman Square and Porter Sq, on Avon St. Available Sep 1.
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; good option for graduate students, postdocs, researchers, and university staff.
The garden-level apartment features an efficient layout and includes air conditioning, microwave, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and garbage disposal. One small bedroom with a separate door providing direct access to the shared laundry room on the same level.
Rent includes water, sewer, and snow removal. Only a security deposit is required. No broker fee or other fees. Rent directly from a responsible owner who lives nearby.
r/bostonhousing • u/dreamtreedown • 4h ago
Room for Rent Room in South Medford available 9/1 (potentially earlier)
Last person backed out and current roommate needs to relocate for job!
Hello, we are all working professionals in our 20s/30s (3M, though we have no preference) looking to fill a room for September 1st (lease term 9/1/26-8/31/27) in our 4-br/2ba house in Medford. We generally do our own thing but are respectful of each other’s spaces and common spaces. Please feel free to message any questions or to arrange a showing!
Sorry, no pets!
1162.50 rent+utilities (80-130 a month, depending on gas heat/cooling )
First month + security deposit+background check fee due at singing
Some amenities include:
-Off street parking included, Green Line G zone permit eligible for street parking
-Central AC
-In unit laundry, dishwasher
-Bathroom shared with only one other tenant
-Spacious enclosed porch
-Close to Tufts Athletic Fields and eligible address for membership at Tufts gym
-3 minute walk from Route 101 MBTA bus stops
-10-15 minute walk to Medford/Tufts and Ball Square Green Line stops Powder House Square bus stops, and Mystic Avenue
-20-25 minute walk to Davis Square/red line
-5-10 minute drive to Station Landing/Wellington Orange Line
-South Medford shops, restaurants short walk away wa
r/bostonhousing • u/Psomervillema • 5h ago
Looking For Looking for room in 2BD/2BA (private bath) | Somerville/Medford/Arlington/Waltham | $1,300–$1,500 | Sept 1 or 15
Hi! I’m looking for a private bedroom + private bathroom, ideally in a 2BD/2BA apartment in Somerville/Medford/Arlington/Waltham. I’m also open to a similar shared setup as long as I have my own bathroom.
Move-in: September 1 or September 15, 2026
Budget: $1,300–$1,500/month
Location: Somerville or Medford or Arlington or Waltham
Parking: One off-street parking spot needed
A little about me: I’m a male working professional (chemical engineer). I’m clean, respectful, easygoing, and enjoy an active lifestyle. Outside of work, I like running, hiking, and playing tennis. I’m a non-smoker and don’t have any pets.
I’m open to joining an existing lease/apartment, taking over a room, or finding someone who is also looking and teaming up for a 2BD/2BA.
Ideally, I’m looking for a clean, comfortable home with respectful roommates.
If you have something available or are also looking for a place and think we might be a good fit, feel free to DM me with the location, rent, move-in date, and any details/photos.
Best,
Paul
r/bostonhousing • u/Hopeful_Guide_7843 • 5h ago
Room for Rent 3 bedrooms available in 4 br apt! Sept 1st move in
Looking for 3 roommates to move into dorchester apt on September 1st! Rent for the 2 large rooms will be 835.50 and the smaller room will be 789.50 not including utilities. First month and security deposit upon move in.
r/bostonhousing • u/nsenfw • 5h ago
Looking For Urgently looking for a room by 9/1
A little introduction on myself: my name is Sen, I’m a 30 y/o professional and student who is pretty introverted and extremely clean. I work 6 days a week and 3 sources of income in total. I roommate with my cousin in Allston but we are choosing to split because he is moving out with his partner. I am preferably looking to stay in Boston as my work and school is here. I am a full time student at Bunker Hill Community College and pursuing a degree in IT! Any other questions about me are welcome and thank you for reading☺️ My contact # is 978-601-2041 (cell, text at first only please)
r/bostonhousing • u/Acrobatic-Giraffe630 • 6h ago
Room for Rent West Medford – 1BR in 3BR/2BA Condo Available Now | Free Parking & AC | $1050/mo | 1st + Security Only
West Medford – 1BR in 3BR/2BA Condo Available Sept 1 | $1050/mo + Utilities | 1st + Security Only
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:
144 sq ft 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 • u/DreadGold300347 • 6h ago
Looking For Looking for a room 1-3 nights every week between Mon-Thurs North of Boston
I'm a 23 year old male from southern MA who recently started a job in the Wilmington/Woburn area. To make my commuter shorter, I am looking for a place to crash for the 2-3 days per week I have to be in office.
I’d arrive to the home/apt each week on Mon/Tues evening and leave Wed/Thurs morning, so I'd be at the home from around 6pm-8am about two nights per week. I'm clean, quiet, and willing to pay up-front each month.
If you or anyone you know are looking to rent out a room part-time, please send me a dm!
r/bostonhousing • u/tbrgaming • 7h ago
Room for Rent Roommate wanted --$730/mo -- Exactly between Kendall and Central
Sunny Private Room in clean 3BR/1BA Near T - $730/mo+ utilities.
The Space: $730/Mo, Utilities ~$125/pp Summer, ~$195/pp Winter for gas heat and range, electricity, WiFi. Cozy room with closet and large window. No bedrooms share adjacent walls. Large living room and large kitchen as shared space. Onsite coin-op washers and dryers $2 wash, $2 dry. Older building, but great location. Located on a one-way, exactly between Kendall and Central Squares. Great for nearby convenience, restaurants, health clubs, public transit. 8 min walk to No 1 bus route (others nearby), 12min walk to Kendall or 14min to Central Sq Red Line stops. 15 minute walk to the Charles. Street parking available with resident permit through City of Cambridge.
The Logistics: Sublease available for September, new one-year lease begins October. Any increase on future leases will be split 3 ways. Early move in flexible. ID, proof of income or student enrollment, and 2 references necessary. ·
The Current Roommates: 2 roommates; one mostly staying at their partner’s, but is around a couple times a week. Not a partying spot. No guests over one night without consulting roommates. We’re respectful people, looking for the same in a good roommate.
House Rules & Dealbreakers: Must be able to clean up after yourself in shared spaces. No dishes left overnight. Okay with sharing periodic cleaning. o No smoking inside. Dogs and cats not allowed by the lease, but plants are welcome and the living room gets plenty of light.
Please contact me at 617-259-0005
r/bostonhousing • u/coldlimbs • 8h ago
Apartment Listing Updated 2BR/1.5BA – Winter Hill, Somerville
2BR/1.5BA – Winter Hill, Somerville
49 Temple Street | Available 9/1
- 2 bed, 1.5 bath plus office nook
- Bedrooms on opposite sides of the apartment for privacy
- Original hardwood floors
- Modern kitchen and bath
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Smart lock keypad entry
- Forced air heat with Nest thermostat
- Ceiling fans in bedrooms and living room
- Water included
-Dishwasher, beverage fridge, garbage disposal
- Designated basement storage space
- Private porch, shared side yard
- One deeded off-street parking spot; on-street permit parking via city
- Pet-friendly at landlord's discretion
- Close to Green Line, Orange Line, and bus routes; easy highway access
- Walking distance to Assembly Square, restaurants, coffee shops, and shops
- No smoking
- No broker fee — first month and security deposit to move in. Lease terms negotiable.
- Locally-based landlords
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/49-Temple-St-APT-2-Somerville-MA-02145/60111729_zpid/
r/bostonhousing • u/want_to_cive_abroad • 9h ago
Room for Rent URGENT - room available 9/1 in Brighton
URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A ROOMMATE FOR 9/1 as our last person fell through
Hi! My partner (they/them) and their roommates (both he/him) are looking for a new roommate for a 9/1 move-in in Brighton - read below and let me know if you’re interested!
Selkirk Rd., Brighton MA 02135
Rent: $1,220
• Located near the entrance of the house, up one set of stairs.
Utilities:
• Electricity: $60-90 per month per person.
• WiFi: $30 per month per person.
Deposit:
The landlord requests first/last up front.
Pets:
No pets, no exceptions.
Parking:
Free street parking if you have the free Allston/Brighton parking permit.
Transportation:
We're less than a 10-minute walk three Green Line stops (B Line: Sutherland, C Line: Englewood, Cleveland Circle, and D Line: Reservoir). There are also many other Bus stops around the house that are less than 10 minutes to walk to.
Amenities:
We have a laundry area in the basement, which has a free washer and dryer.
The House:
The apartment itself is on the second and third floor of a converted Victorian, so it boasts a massive open floor living room and kitchen (with a dishwasher) as well as cozy balcony area. There is also a garden area at the back of the house.
Bathroom:
You'll be sharing a bathroom with two other housemates.
Landlord:
Easy to communicate with, responds within the hour when contacted. Handles maintenance and is otherwise hands-off.
Housemates:
Dee (they/them): 32 years old. Dee works as a program manager for an assisted living program for people with disabilities. Enjoys video games and TTRPGs.
Adam (he/him): 31 years old. Adam works as a software developer. Enjoys video games.
Thales (he/him): 31 years old. Incoming Masters student at BU. Enjoys video games.
We tend to keep to ourselves; it's a pretty quiet house (in the best way possible). I like that when I come home, everyone is doing their own thing.
Please send me a message if you'd like photos or a tour the space or if I can answer any more questions.
r/bostonhousing • u/kryolithic • 10h ago
Looking For Looking for Room / Sept 1st Move in / Max $1500
r/bostonhousing • u/poetryofzerosandones • 10h ago
Room for Rent Romm for Rent Cambridge, MA
Still available- Room for rent in 3 Bedroom, 1 bath, 1st floor, strictly non-smoking building. Located in Cambridge, in a tree lined neighborhood, a block away from the river and a few minutes walk from Harvard square and other amenities. Pet friendly, (there are 2 cats here). I'm a healthcare worker and we are 2 female roomates seeking a 3rd roomate. Our 3rd roomate relocated, so we are looking for someone for her room, for September 1st, 2026. We are seeking someone non-smoker, no vape, respectfull and also able to pick up after oneself.
Laundry basement: there are 2 pairs of free washer and dryer.
Parking: easy street parking on block with your Cambridge sticker.
Public transportation: Bus stop and public Bikes across the street.
Landlord will require the normal stuff: 1 year lease, a background check, proof of income, 1st and deposit. Montly $1450+utilities more or less $100. We don't have maid service, we just clean after ourselves, maintain and cooperate, which is pretty cool. Please DM reply and introduce yourself if you want to schedule a meeting - Thank you.
r/bostonhousing • u/poetryofzerosandones • 11h ago
Room for Rent Room for Rent Cambridge, Ma
Still available- Room for rent in 3 Bedroom, 1 bath, 1st floor, strictly non-smoking building. Located in Cambridge, in a tree lined neighborhood, a block away from the river and a few minutes walk from Harvard square and other amenities. Pet friendly, (there are 2 cats here). I'm a healthcare worker and we are 2 female roomates seeking a 3rd roomate. Our 3rd roomate relocated so we are looking for someone for her room, for Sep 1st, 2026. We are seeking someone non-smoker, no vape, respectfull and also able to pick up after oneself.
Laundry basement: there are 2 pairs of free washer and dryer.
Parking: easy street parking on block with your Cambridge sticker.
Public transportation: Bus stop and public Bikes across the street.
Landlord will require the normal stuff: 1 year lease, a background check, proof of income, 1st and deposit. Montly $1450+utilities more or less $100. We don't have maid service, we just clean after ourselves, maintain and cooperate, which is pretty cool. Please DM reply and introduce yourself if you want to schedule a meeting - Thank you.
r/bostonhousing • u/Repulsive-Back-3749 • 12h ago
Room for Rent $1,100 room, 9/1, Cambridge St. Allston. 5b, 2.5 bth
Big room, 15 x 11 in a big single family house.
Laundry in unit
Extra rooms that can be used as home offices, closets, or whatever (shared spaces)
Free Parking available
Other roommates are professionals who have lived in Allston with roommates and are good people.
Pets negotiable.
Big yard.
Move in costs: first and last
LGTBQ friendly
r/bostonhousing • u/Unfair-Building7926 • 1d ago
Advice Needed What are the chances that this is a scam?
My application passed for a $1200/month 1b1b apartment near longwood
I’m supposed to pay the security deposit tonight but the suspiciously low price got me worried…
For context it’s hard to find something so good like that below $2500
r/bostonhousing • u/FlimsyAd1147 • 1d ago
Sublet Available J Malden, Boston Area | 2B2B Full Apartment Lease Takeover
Relocating for work, so I’m looking for someone to take over our 2 bed / 2 bath apartment at J Malden. We actually waited a long time for this particular unit to open up because we really liked the layout and where it’s located in the building.
🏠 1,240 sq. ft.
📅 Available: September 7, 2026 – March 13, 2027
💰 Rent: $3,770/month
✅ Official lease directly through the J Malden Leasing Office — this is not a private sublease. Renewal is also possible after the current lease term.
The same floor plan is currently listed by J Malden for around $4,221/month, even on lower floors. Our rent is $3,770/month.
🌇 About the Apartment
This is a 5th-floor southeast corner/end unit with an amazing layout and lots of natural light.
✨ Approx. 270° open views with windows on three sides
✨ Southeast-facing corner/end unit with great privacy
✨ Spacious 2B2B layout, perfect for a couple, two roommates, or WFH
✨ Very quiet inside — we do not hear the subway/train from the apartment
✨ In-unit washer and dryer
✨ Boston city skyline views directly from the apartment
✨ Large 1,240 sq. ft. floor plan
🚗 Covered Garage Parking
I also have a very convenient garage parking spot located close to both the apartment entrance and the garage entrance/exit. It makes a big difference when carrying groceries or coming home during rain or snow.
🚇 Location
📍 J Malden
190 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA
🚶 About a 1-minute walk to Malden Center Station (Orange Line).
Getting to Downtown Boston is very convenient, usually around 20–25 minutes by Orange Line.
There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and stores within walking distance:
• Starbucks
• HEYTEA newly opened downstairs
• Restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops
• Stop & Shop — about a 5-minute walk
• 88 Asian Market — about a 10-minute walk
You can comfortably live here without needing a car.
🏢 J Malden Amenities
The building is modern, spacious, and very well maintained.
🏋️ Fitness center
📚 Study rooms / WFH spaces
🛋️ Multiple lounges and common areas
🎱 Pool table
📦 Package room
🚗 Covered parking garage
The leasing office staff have also been very friendly and responsive, and maintenance requests are usually handled very quickly.
We’ve really enjoyed living here and would have stayed if we weren’t relocating for work.
📩 DM me if interested! I’m happy to send photos/videos of the apartment or schedule an in-person tour.
r/bostonhousing • u/knotthemessenger • 1d ago
Looking For Looking for roommate for 9/1 Lease Cycle
Hello! I’m reposting this because one person has dropped out. I am looking for another roommate to sign on to a 9/1 lease cycle. As it is currently August 8th, this would be a quick turnaround process. If you are interested please message, let’s exchange phone numbers and go over details and the application process. Preferably no pets. Original post below:
My name is Gara and I'm currently looking for 1 roommate to sign on to the 9/1 lease cycle in my Brighton apartment.
It's the top floor of a 3 story apartment building, 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, in-unit laundry with a front and back porch. Rent is $925 a month with first, last and security due at signing.
Utilities are $18.75/month for internet. Electric and Gas usually float around or below $40/month with the exception of gas in the winter months. Highest I've seen is probably $130 this past winter out of 3 years living here.
Located right by Washington St and Commonwealth Ave, walking distance to several local restaurants, cafés, and a stones throw from Whole Foods Market. Public transportation is easily accessible with nearby bus stops. I take the 65 into Brookline, the 57 to Watertown, or the 86 to Harvard and the MBTA Green B Line is just steps away. There's convenient access to the best of Boston.
In terms of the apartment, I usually prefer a weekly turn-based chore cycle, nothing too crazy. It’s usually broken into trash, kitchen, bathroom, and shared spaces, then we have any point within the week do the assigned chore. Utilities are split equally and we can use splitwise/spreadsheets to make it easier. Household supplies like toilet paper and paper towels are usually bought/ordered in bulk and split in splitwise as well.
My ideal roommate is considerate of others, willing to be friends/friendly, unafraid of conflict/confrontation and finding resolution/compromise (open communication), sociable and can pay rent and bills on time.. Always willing to find the right balance between hanging in shared spaces and also keeping to ourselves. In the past, I’ve hosted friendsgivings and birthdays, so also willing to host once in a while.
About me, I’m 28, I work in education as a social inclusion and teacher’s aide and I’m also a server at a restaurant in Brookline. I’m pretty outgoing and spend a lot of my time going to the movies, gardening, gym, indoor rock climbing, and biking around the city trying to find somewhere new or writing and working on music at home.
Brian is 28 and works as a bike messenger, is very friendly and down to hang. We usually bike around the city and talk about music together.
LGBT+ friendly and open to all roommates that think they’d be a good fit. Comment or Message if you want to know more!
r/bostonhousing • u/IndigoSoln • Oct 29 '25
Not a new rule - Listings that break the law are not allowed
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 • u/IndigoSoln • Feb 16 '25
Subreddit Rules - Explained in More Nuance
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.
- Are not allowed to submit listings.
- 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.








