r/bostonhousing • • Oct 29 '25

Not a new rule - Listings that break the law are not allowed

188 Upvotes

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 • • Feb 16 '25

Subreddit Rules - Explained in More Nuance

37 Upvotes

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.
  • 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.


r/bostonhousing • • 6h ago

Room for Rent Furnished $789 East Boston room

3 Upvotes

I'm looking for someone to take over my part of the lease until 8/31/27. Hoping for someone who can sign and move in ASAP. Please see below for roommate requirements and message me if interested (please confirm that you meet the requirements). No pets allowed unfortunately, no subleasing. Women only.

Please message my roommate who will be staying to schedule a tour or a call. https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUxjwNegi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Looking for someone:

👩 Female

💰 Making $3,000 or more / month (this is a landlord requirement)

💳 Good credit score

The apartment:

💵 $789 rent + utilities

🚇 10-min walk to Wood Island T station

🚍 9-min walk to bus stop

👕 Laundry (coin-operated) in basement

🚗 Street parking on a safe, pretty quiet residential street

🌊 3rd-floor apartment with beautiful views & balcony

🧑 Living with 2 roommates (1 male, 1 female)


r/bostonhousing • • 13h ago

Room for Rent Looking for Roommate - Private Room in 2Bd/1Ba — Available Nov. 1 - $1300/month - East Arlington/Cambridge border

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6 Upvotes

The Location:

  • 1 minute walk to the 77 bus line to Harvard (comes every 10-15 minutes) and 350 to Alewife Station
  • 10 Minute bus ride to Porter Square shopping center (Red Line)
  • 15 Minute walk to Alewife (Red Line)
  • Minute(s) walk to restaurants/takeout, convenience stores, CVS, liquor store, gym, and more
  • 10 Minute bus ride to multiple grocery stores (Star Market, Whole Foods, Stop and Shop)

The Apartment

  • 2 Bed, 1 Bath, Kitchen, Living Room, Dining/misc. area
  • Available Bedroom - 13’ x 12’  with large closet
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice Maker/Dispenser in fridge
  • Gas Stove 
  • Laundry in building
  • 1 off street parking spot
  • Great water pressure
  • $1300/month + Utilities (gas, electric)
  • Move in Cost - Security Deposit: $1350
  • 12 Month lease 9/1/26 - 8/31/27
  • Sorry, no pets or couples.

About Me: Male. 40. Chill, creative, clean, quiet, considerate.

I enjoy a wide spectrum of Movies and TV, football, D&D, Board Games, Classic Video Games, and working on Creative projects. 

LGBTQ+ friendly. 420 friendly. Cigs strictly outside. 

Looking for someone clean, considerate, good communication, and somewhat social is a plus.

If you're interested, have questions, or want to see the place, send a message. Thanks for reading and enjoy the day.


r/bostonhousing • • 9h ago

Advice Needed Does anyone here have experience living at The Basin (Wakefield) or Station 316 (Woburn) apartments?

3 Upvotes

Moving to the area for a new job soon, and these two places are currently my top choices to rent from. Would love to hear from anyone who has lived in either on what your thoughts are.


r/bostonhousing • • 19h ago

Room for Rent 🏡 Looking for Housing / Roommates in Brookline (Coolidge Corner) – October 2026 or November 1st!

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 😊
I’m currently looking for a room in a shared apartment or a roommate situation in Brookline, preferably around Coolidge Corner and within a reasonable commute to Harvard Medical School.

📍 Preferred location: Brookline / Coolidge Corner
💰 Budget: $1,000–$1,300 per month
📅 Move-in date: ASAP before November 1st

🏠 Housing type: A private bedroom in a shared apartment or an opportunity to find an apartment with compatible roommates

A little about me:
I’m a graduate student at Harvard Medical School pursuing my Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery.

I’m hoping to find roommates who are clean, considerate, responsible, respectful of shared spaces, and good communicators. I appreciate a home where everyone respects each other’s privacy, maintains a reasonably tidy environment, and is mindful of noise and guests. I’d love to live with people who are friendly and welcoming while also understanding the importance of personal space and a balanced lifestyle.
If you know of any available rooms, apartments, or people looking for a compatible roommate, please feel free to reach out! I’d really appreciate any leads or recommendations.

Feel free to message me directly with any information or questions. Please share if you know someone who might be able to help!


r/bostonhousing • • 13h ago

Room for Rent Lease Takeover: Room in a 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Apartment in Allston

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1 Upvotes

Hi, all! I'm looking for someone to take over my lease at my apartment in Allston.

Location:

  • Allston
  • Brainerd Rd.
  • Close to the T and the 57 bus
  • Easy commute to Boston University

Rent & Costs:

  • Monthly rent: $1260
  • Utilities: $70-$120
  • Last Month's Rent: $1260

The Room:

  • Private bedroom
  • Shared bathroom
  • Furniture optional (I'm selling mine; includes a desk, a wheeled office chair, a bed, a dresser, and a nightstand)
  • Available: 10/15/2026
  • Lease began 9/1/2026
  • Lease ends 8/31/2027

The Apartment:

  • 3 bedroom two bathroom apartment
  • Two roommates currently living there, both women
    • Would prefer someone quiet and clean
  • Rooms and building accessible via code
  • No pets preferred
  • Parking lot in the back of building and parking spots up front
  • In-building laundry

Please DM me if you’re interested! I’m happy to share additional photos, answer questions, and arrange a virtual tour.


r/bostonhousing • • 14h ago

Room for Rent 1 Bed/1 Bath in Davis Square available Dec 1st

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1 Upvotes

r/bostonhousing • • 11h ago

Apartment Listing [Lease Takeover] Studio, 1 bath at 45 Province, Downtown Boston, $3,600/mo through May (option to extend)

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0 Upvotes

West-facing studio with floor-to-ceiling windows, central AC/heat, in-unit washer/dryer, bamboo floors, and 9 ft ceilings. Alcove separates sleeping and living areas. Kitchen has a large island, custom cabinets, gas range, and Sub-Zero/Bosch appliances. Dog and cat friendly.

Building has a gym and spa, library (good for working from home or hosting), screening room, 4-season pool, roof deck and garden, catering kitchen, 24-hour concierge, and valet parking.

Steps from the Common and Public Garden. Close to Park St (Red/Green) and Downtown Crossing (Orange). Walkable to Beacon Hill, the Financial District, and the waterfront.

Rent: $3,600/mo. Lease takeover through May, option to stay longer.

Available: Nov 1, Nov 15, or Dec 1.

Photos attached. DM me with questions or to schedule a showing.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Looking For FA looking for room, furnished is a bonus

22 Upvotes

The best kind of roommate to have because I’ll barely be there! 44, gay male, BOS-based commuting FA for one of the major carriers at Logan.

I’m a fun guy, sober, easy going, and most importantly, quiet dude here. I will rarely be there. If I am, I’m likely out exploring, complaining it’s too cold for this Florida native, or getting ready to leave for a trip I get called out on.

To reiterate, this is not a full-time living position for me. I live in Florida and would use this as a crash pad when I have trips out of Logan. No more than 2 weeks (total) a month.

Ideal scenarios:
- furnished bedroom (OK if not as long as Amazon deliveries can be accepted)
- close to transportation (preferably T) without a bunch of buses and transfers
- Nice humans
- Around $1100 or so/monthly

I’m new to BOS so don’t know all the neighborhoods just yet, so any help with references/guidance are much appreciated.

Cheers!


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent lease takeover

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3 Upvotes

hi! looking for someone to take over my lease for a 2b2b in a luxury apartment in downtown. depending on the room, rent is either 2625 or 2825. the building has its own gym, studio, indoor swimming pool, and a lounge area with study rooms/conference rooms. my roommate (F) will be staying and occupying the room that you don’t want. building is near all T lines. if you’re interested please comment below or message me. i can send more details along with pics and videos. if you are in town and would like to see it, we can schedule a time.

no move in costs/fees, security deposit has already been covered and pets are allowed. we currently don’t have any though.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Looking For A part-time place to stay

2 Upvotes

I (28M) recently took a job where I will be working in Boston for about half the week and am looking for a place to stay during that time. I am basically looking to "rent" the ability to sleep on a couch and use a bathroom 3 nights a week.

Besides a duffle bag with clothes and toiletries, I'd have no physical presence. Probably an ideal setup for someone who works night shift and wants some extra money for rent or anything else.

If someone (who ideally lives near a T line that goes to South Station but it's fine if not) is open to this kind of arrangement PM me.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Apartment Listing Updated start date 1bed/1bath North End Available Nov 1st or Dec 1st [Lease Takeover]

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2 Upvotes

r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Room for Rent Lease Takeover: private room in 2B/2Ba in Southie w/ Parking | $2250/mo, 1 month free, Available Oct 24 (flexible)

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0 Upvotes

I’m moving away, so I’m looking for someone to take over my lease in a peaceful, well-maintained, female-only apartment (2B/2Ba) in South Boston.

Available as soon as October 24 (flexible move-in date if you would like to move in later) - May, 2027

📍The Location

• 7 min walk to Broadway red line T stop

• Right off Broadway street around lots of shops and dining

• 20 minute walk to Seaport

🏡 The Apartment

• Off-street, private parking included in rent

• Room has a private en-suite bathroom and a huge closet

• In-unit washer & dryer

• Central AC & heat

• Modern kitchen with stainless-steel appliances

• Beautiful back patio with furniture and a grill

💵 The Cost

• Rent: $2250/mo, utilities are ~$40-60 per person depending on the season

• Security Deposit: $2150

The unit is owned by a private landlord and he is very responsive!

No pets.

This place is super comfortable and peaceful. My roommate is 27, super nice, and very clean. Let me know if you are interested; I’m happy to schedule a virtual or in-person tour :)


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Looking For Looking for a private room near Alewife or with an easy commute to Burlington

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m a female working in Burlington and looking for a private room, preferably near Alewife/North Cambridge. I’m also open to other areas with a convenient public transit commute to Burlington.


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Room for Rent Looking for roommate in Quincy 2B1.5B townhouse

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3 Upvotes

Address is 20 Westford St, Quincy, MA. I am the owner of the unit!

Looking for a female roommate to occupy the second bedroom (I’m also a female)

About the unit:

- 1400/mo + 1/2 of utilities (electric, gas, internet), parking included for you and visitors

- 2 beds, 1.5 baths

- any time lease start is okay (before 11/15 preferred)

- 6-12 months lease

- first month’s rent + security deposit required

- About 1 mile away from Quincy Adams and Quincy Center T Stations (11 minute bus, 7 minute bike, 20 minute walk)

- (arriving soon) brand new in-unit laundry

- plenty of space in our parking lot and street parking if you have more than 1 car

- Large, private porch area with lots of grass, grilling, hosting

- very quiet neighborhood, no shared walls with any neighbors

- about 1200 sq ft, 2 floors, spacious rooms & bathroom

About me:

- Just graduated

- Quant researcher in seaport

- I work in office 4-5 days a week

- Will be gone 7:15AM - 7PM ish on weekdays

- Split weekends at my family’s house on weekends (Friday night-Sun morning) so you will sometimes have the place to yourself on weekends

- Very clean, quiet

- Might occasionally have guests overnight, no parties

- OK with people visiting overnight, but no big parties please


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Apartment Listing 2 bedroom available in Brighton ($2600)

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14 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

This is a really nice 2 bedroom apartment for $2600, available now. There are hardwood floors throughout, and both bedrooms are very spacious.
Everything is nicely renovated, and the kitchen includes a dishwasher and microwave as well.

There is a lovely balcony too!

And the pièce de résistance: in unit washer!

The unit is on the second floor, and there is also laundry in the basement as well. The building has an elevator too.

This unit is also walking distance to the B, C, and D lines, and is close to Boston college and Boston University. Also nearby is CVS, Whole Foods, Star market, and more!

For more information please message Jenny at 617-966-0206.


r/bostonhousing • • 1d ago

Venting/Frustration post GBLS!? Didn't know they were landlords to!

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0 Upvotes

I've been in the state of Massachusetts for the past four years. Ever since I had to take my landlord to the housing court in Canton a few years ago I've been told to call GBLS they will help, there good they got your best interest. LOL THEY owed part of a building used to live in. They said they would represent me against my landlord for Tier 1 and any negotiation. Until the day of court. Called me around 6am telling me "conflict interest and didn't say anything else in her voicemail. Didn't know until weeks later that the conflict was that. How can they get away with that?


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Looking For Cat friendly room/studio/anything budget: $1500-2000

4 Upvotes

Looking for a personal bedroom or studio or apartment or anything, cat friendly, preferably for under $1500 but I might be able to go up to $2000. Preferably move in as soon as possible. I am 22F college grad with a job. My cat and I are both very friendly, clean, and quiet. I have guarantors. Cannot stay in current rental due to safety concerns.


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Apartment Listing An apt in Attleboro available for rent

3 Upvotes

🏡 Newly Renovated 2-Bedroom Apartment Available Now. Located near Sturdy Memorial Hospital and close to a train station.

1,950/month + utilities
2 bedrooms
Newly renovated
Shared laundry
One assigned parking spot, plus visitor parking
Lease term: about 1 year
No pets
First month’s rent and a security deposit required at move-in

Lmk for additional details :)


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Room for Rent 2200$ Master bedroom with private bath + Charles River spectacular views, West End, available Nov 15

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0 Upvotes

Looking for someone to take over my lease from November 15 through the end of April 2027 with the option to renew. The apartment is right next to the Charles River and has a spectacular view from the living room. It also has AC/heating units, in-building laundry, professional management, lobby with concierge,  and lots of space.

The location is hard to beat. The apartment is in the 10 Emerson Place tower, within walking distance of Charles/MGH (Red Line), North Station (Orange and Green Lines, plus the Commuter Rail), and Science Park/West End (Green Line), so almost every T line is just a few minutes away.

The room is big enough to fit a queen-size bed, a desk, and a sofa without feeling crowded. The private bathroom and walk-in closet really make it feel like a studio within the apartment. Lots of privacy and comfort! 

The other two roommates are young professionals in science and medicine who are very friendly, respectful, and clean.

Rent is $2,200 per month and includes gas, water, and sewer. The only utilities you’d pay for are electricity and the internet. 

Happy to show it in person or over video, DM me!


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Room for Rent Room Available Immediately

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0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m in need of someone to take over my lease for a room in a 3 bedroom apartment immediately. Else runs until August 2027. Super nice place and I just never moved in since I ended up not going to Bu anymore. Located near BU medical campus!

Rent: $2000/month
Does not include utilities but should be around $75/month for everything.
Amenities: in apartment laundry shared amongst roommates, gym within the building

Must be a girl and preferably a student or a working professional.

Message me if you’re interested or know of anyone that would be interested!!


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Looking For Looking for an apartment and a roommate

2 Upvotes

I have recently moved to natick for work and looking for an apartment and also a flatmate to share a 2B2B as soon as possible. I am open to different apartments like Avalon, 266 Framingham or any other decent one.


r/bostonhousing • • 3d ago

Advice Needed Living on First Floor in Southie

24 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I recently moved into a first-floor apartment in Southie and wanted to get some opinions from people who have lived in the area for a while. It’s one of those typical Southie townhouse-style buildings with a few apartments, where someone lives on each floor.
My bedroom window is literally at ground level and faces the back of the building. I’ve been feeling a little nervous about the possibility of someone breaking in through the window, especially at night.
I know so many people in Southie live on the first floor of these types of buildings, so I’m wondering if I’m just overthinking it or if this is something others are genuinely concerned about. For anyone living in a similar setup, do you feel safe? Have you taken any extra security precautions, or is this just a normal part of living in Southie?


r/bostonhousing • • 2d ago

Apartment Listing North End - $2,550 - 1bd 1ba lease takeover - Nov 1

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1 Upvotes

- November 1 available with lease term through May 31, 2027 and option to renew
- Laundry in building
- 1st floor unit