Boston Considers Ordinance to List Bad Landlords
The city could soon publish a list of repeat code violators, potentially limiting their ability to do business with Boston.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Apartments
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Should cities publish lists of landlords who repeatedly violate housing and sanitary codes?
Boston City Council President Liz Breadon has introduced an ordinance that would create a public, biannual list of landlords who repeatedly violate city housing codes. The measure aims to improve living conditions by imposing stricter penalties and business restrictions on landlords who fail to address sanitary and fire safety issues.
Why it matters
This ordinance seeks to enforce housing standards by increasing transparency and limiting city benefits for landlords who maintain substandard properties. With 80 percent of occupied homes in Allston-Brighton being rentals, the move aims to shift the balance of power for tenants navigating a tight rental market.
The proposal follows 70 survey responses documenting poor living conditions in Boston. In Allston-Brighton, where 80 percent of homes are rentals and just 4 percent of apartments are currently available, the ordinance targets landlords failing to correct fire and sanitary code violations.
The players
Liz Breadon
The Boston City Council President who introduced the ordinance targeting repeat housing code violators.
Boston City Council
The legislative body currently considering the ordinance that would publicly track and restrict noncompliant landlords.
The details
The proposed system tracks noncompliance using a points-based ledger, assigning penalties for failure to fix safety violations, pay fines, or meet rental requirements. Landlords appearing on the biannual list would face mandatory increased inspections and maximum possible fines. Additionally, listed property owners would be barred from city business, including zoning relief, government grants, and participation in the Article 80 development process.
Timeline
October 2026: Council President Liz Breadon introduces the ordinance.
Late 2026: City Council is expected to vote on the measure.
Money Landscape
The proposal aligns with municipal efforts to tighten oversight in high-density rental markets like Allston-Brighton. By restricting access to city-linked economic levers like the Article 80 process, the plan shifts the focus of property enforcement from simple fines to long-term business access.
Tenants in high-rental areas may see improved property maintenance if landlords prioritize compliance to avoid the public list and subsequent business restrictions. Renters should keep records of any outstanding maintenance requests or safety violations in their units to provide documentation if needed.
The takeaway
This proposal creates a direct financial and administrative cost for landlords who consistently neglect property upkeep. Tenants should check their municipal housing court records or local council district pages periodically to see if the status of their property management company changes once the list is implemented.
What happens next
The Boston City Council is expected to hold a vote on the ordinance by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the local rental market, visit the Boston Apartments section.
Live Poll
Should cities publish lists of landlords who repeatedly violate housing and sanitary codes?
