Renting in Boston is unlike anywhere else—except maybe NYC. The competition is fierce, the upfront costs are brutal, and the entire city seems to move on September 1st. But with the right preparation, you can navigate this market and find a great place to live.
Welcome to Boston Apartment Hunting
Before diving in, here's the reality: Boston is expensive, competitive, and moves fast. Good apartments are listed and rented within days. Be prepared to act quickly, but never skip your research.
Use StreetSmart to research any building for free1. Understanding the Budget
The 3x Rule
Most Boston landlords require your annual gross income to be 3 times the monthly rent. This is less strict than NYC's 40x, but still significant.
Income Requirements
Don't Meet 3x? You'll Need a Co-signer
A co-signer (usually a parent or relative) guarantees your lease. They typically need to earn 3x the rent themselves and have good credit. Some landlords accept co-signers from out of state; others require Massachusetts or New England residents.
The Brutal Upfront Costs
Boston has some of the highest upfront rental costs in the country. Budget for:
What You'll Pay at Signing
For a $2,500/month apartment with a broker fee, that's $10,000 due at signing.
Learn how to avoid broker fees →
2. Documents You'll Need
Boston rental applications are thorough. Have these ready before you start looking:
Application Document Checklist
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number
- 2-3 recent pay stubs
- Employment verification letter
- Last 2 tax returns (W-2s)
- 2-3 months bank statements
- Landlord references
- Personal references (2-3)
- Credit report authorization
- Co-signer docs (if needed)
Pro tip: Scan everything and keep a digital folder ready to email instantly.
3. The September 1st Factor
Boston's Unique Moving Calendar
Because of Boston's massive student population, most leases run September 1 to August 31. This creates the infamous "September 1st" moving day where 60,000+ moves happen simultaneously.
If you want a Sept 1 lease:
- Start looking in February-April for the best selection
- Expect fierce competition—be ready to decide quickly
- Book movers MONTHS in advance (they're fully booked by summer)
If you want other dates:
- June 1st has moderate availability
- Other dates mean fewer options but less competition
- Look for "flexible move-in" listings
Read our September 1st survival guide →
4. Choosing a Neighborhood
Boston is small but has distinct neighborhoods with very different vibes and prices.
Back Bay / Beacon Hill
Most expensive. Beautiful brownstones. Studios from $2,800+
💰💰💰💰South End
Victorian charm, great food. Studios from $2,500+
💰💰💰💰Allston / Brighton
Student central. Cheap but noisy. Studios from $1,800+
💰💰Jamaica Plain
Hip, diverse, good value. Studios from $2,200+
💰💰💰Compare all neighborhoods by budget →
5. Researching Buildings
This is where most first-time renters fail. They find a nice listing, fall in love with the photos, and sign without research. Then they discover rodents, a slumlord landlord, or no heat in January.
Before ANY Apartment Viewing, Check:
- RentSmart violation history — Code violations and health hazards
- 311 complaints — What are current tenants dealing with?
- Building age — Old triple-deckers may have issues
- University proximity — Near BU/Northeastern? Expect student noise
- MBTA access — How far to the T?
6. Common First-Time Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not having 4 months' rent saved
Boston's first/last/security/broker adds up fast.
- ✗Waiting until August for Sept 1 apartment
Good apartments are gone by June. Start in spring.
- ✗Skipping building research
5 minutes on StreetSmart can save you from a nightmare.
- ✗Sending money before seeing the apartment
Classic scam. Never pay without visiting in person.
- ✗Not getting receipt for security deposit
MA law requires landlord give you bank details. Get it in writing.
7. Know Your Rights
As a Massachusetts tenant, you have legal protections:
- Right to a livable apartment — Heat, hot water, no pests
- Maximum 1 month security deposit
- 30-day deposit return after move-out
- Triple damages if landlord mishandles your deposit
- No illegal lockouts — Landlord must go through court
Read the complete tenant rights guide →
Helpful Resources
- StreetSmart Boston — Research any building for free
- Neighborhood Guide — Compare areas by budget
- City Life / Vida Urbana — (617) 227-4878 — Free tenant help
- 311 — Report housing complaints
- Greater Boston Legal Services — Free legal assistance