Boston's housing stock is old. Really old. Many triple-deckers were built 100+ years ago. That means a beautiful apartment could hide serious problems: rodents, no heat in January, lead paint, or a landlord who ignores repairs. Before you sign anything, research the building.
The Fast Way: Use StreetSmart
We aggregate RentSmart violations, 311 complaints, property assessments, and building data into one search. Takes 30 seconds.
Search Any AddressThe Complete Building Research Checklist
1. Check RentSmart Violations
Boston's RentSmart program tracks code violations for rental properties. This is crucial data.
What RentSmart Violations Tell You
- Heat violations
Failures to maintain required temperatures (68°F day, 64°F night)
- Pest infestations
Rodents, cockroaches, bedbugs—serious and hard to eliminate
- Structural issues
Roof problems, foundation issues, fire safety
- Plumbing/electrical
Hot water issues, electrical hazards
A building with repeated violations is a red flag. Landlords who ignore problems once will ignore them again.
2. Check 311 Complaints
Boston's 311 system lets residents report issues. Complaints near an address tell you what current tenants are dealing with.
311 Complaint Categories
Frequent complaints at an address = ongoing problems landlord isn't fixing.
3. Check MBTA Proximity
Boston's subway (the T) is the oldest in America. Some lines are more reliable than others.
MBTA Line Reality Check
- RedMost used. Regular delays. Alewife to Braintree/Ashmont.
- OrangeRecently upgraded. Oak Grove to Forest Hills.
- BlueReliable. Wonderland to Bowdoin. Good for East Boston.
- GreenStreet-level = slow. B/C/D/E branches vary. Often delayed.
StreetSmart shows distance to nearest T stop for any address.
4. Check University Proximity
Boston has 35+ colleges and universities. Living near one means more rental options, but also:
Student Zone Effects
- • Higher turnover and Sept 1st competition
- • Weekend noise, especially Thurs-Sat
- • "Allston Christmas" sidewalk furniture in August
- • Landlords used to dealing with students (good and bad)
5. Consider Winter Readiness
Boston gets 48 inches of snow per year. An old building with bad insulation or failing heat can be miserable.
Winter Checklist
- • Check for heat violations in building history
- • Ask about heating type (gas forced air vs. radiators)
- • Check windows—old windows = drafts
- • Ask who clears snow from walks/parking
- • Confirm heat is included OR check utility estimates
Learn more about Boston heat laws →
What to Check In Person
Online research is essential, but so is the in-person visit. Check for:
During Your Visit
- Water pressure in shower/sinks
- Hot water temperature and timing
- Signs of mice (droppings, holes)
- Roach traps or evidence
- Mold or water damage
- All windows open/close/lock
- Cell phone signal strength
- Electrical outlets work
- Stove/fridge/included appliances
- Hallways and common areas clean
Questions to Ask
Get answers to these questions before signing:
- Who is the landlord? Management company or owner?
- How quickly do they respond to repairs?
- What's included in rent? Heat? Hot water? Parking?
- When was the heating system last serviced?
- Has the building ever had pest issues?
- What's the snow removal situation?
- Can you talk to current tenants?
Full list of questions to ask →
Do Your Research in 30 Seconds
StreetSmart aggregates violation data, complaints, and building info into one instant search. Check any Boston address before you sign.
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