Boston City Council Weighs Public 'Bad Landlords List'
A points-based system would tally unresolved violations and publish the worst-scoring property owners twice a year.
· 1 min read
The Boston City Council agreed in the week ending October 23, 2026, to explore a proposal that would create a public "Bad Landlords List" naming the city's worst-performing property owners, CBS News reported.
Under the proposal, landlords would accumulate points for each violation or reported problem left unresolved. The city would add up the points twice a year and publish a list of those with the highest totals. The councilors behind the measure said the goal is to publicly identify the worst landlords and give renters more information when choosing where to live.
Renters make up the majority of Boston's housing market. City data cited in the report puts the rental population above 60%, and many owners of Boston rental properties live outside the city or outside Massachusetts. Tenants have long said there is little accountability for problem landlords.
Two renters interviewed by CBS News said the list could help. "I definitely think it would be helpful," said Sammie Vides, a South Boston renter, who added that tenants often do not learn about problems until they are locked into a lease.
The proposal was sent to the council's Committee on Government Operations. No hearing date has been scheduled.
This story was first reported by CBS News.
Comments