MAAP Coalition Meeting: Rental Registries and Their Role in Promoting Healthy Housing

/

On April 2nd, 2025, experts from Boston and Worcester discussed their cities’ rental registry programs aimed at improving housing conditions through proactive inspections.

Boston’s Rental Registry
Boston’s Inspectional Services Department oversees the city’s rental registry, ensuring all rental units are safe and sanitary.

  • Registration: Required for all rental units, with options to register online, by mail, or in person.

  • Inspection Ordinance: A re-written ordinance allows for proactive inspections.

  • Metrics: Success is measured by complaints and the number of registered units.

Worcester’s Rental Registry
Worcester’s program, now in the inspection phase, aims to improve housing quality by targeting areas with health disparities.

  • Proactive Inspections: Data from UMass Medical School guides prioritization of areas for inspection.

  • Inclusion: Covers all rental properties except owner-occupied units in multifamily buildings.

  • Costs: $15 for the first inspection, $5 for renewals.

  • Compliance: Landlords must live within 60 miles of the property or designate a local property manager.

Compliance and Data Use
Both cities emphasize compliance. Worcester uses fines and failure-to-register letters, while Boston calls landlords directly to enforce registration. Data, such as health metrics, helps identify priority inspection areas.

Success Metrics

  • Boston: Focuses on the number of complaints and new registrants.

  • Worcester: Aims for 60% registration of known rental units.

By utilizing data and proactive inspection strategies, both cities are working to create safer and healthier housing environments.