How Do Utilities Work in Boston?
Utilities in Boston are handled based on the lease. Some are included in the rent, which means the landlord pays for them. Others are separately metered, which means the apartment has its own account or meter and the tenant must set up service and pay the bill directly.
In many Boston apartments, electricity and internet are usually tenant-paid, gas may be included or separate depending on the building, and water and sewer are often included, especially in older properties.
The most important thing is to check the lease carefully before signing so you know which bills are included in the rent and which ones you will need to budget for separately.
Boston Tenant Rights Guide →Massachusetts Heat Requirements
Under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, landlords must provide heat during the official heating season, which runs from September 15 to May 31.
These temperatures must be maintained in habitable rooms, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
Read full Heat & Hot Water laws →Massachusetts Hot Water Requirements
Unlike cold water, hot water must always be provided by the landlord at no additional cost to you beyond the utility bill. It must be available 24/7 at a temperature between 110°F and 130°F.
Water below 110°F or above 130°F is considered a violation of the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code. If your hot water is consistently outside this range, it is a code violation that should be reported to the landlord immediately.
Read full Heat & Hot Water laws →When Do Landlords Pay for Water?
In Boston, most tenants do not pay for water because the legal requirements for submetering are extremely difficult for landlords to meet. To legally charge a tenant for water, a landlord must meet all three of these conditions:
If your building does not meet these specific criteria, the landlord must pay the water and sewer bill.
Electricity: Supply vs. Delivery
Your electric bill in Boston usually has two parts:
When to Set Up Utilities
Follow this timeline to ensure you have power and internet on your first day in your new Boston apartment:
Call Eversource and National Grid to transfer electricity and gas service into your name.
Schedule internet installation. September 1st is the busiest day of the year for technicians, appointments fill up quickly.
Monitor your first bill closely to ensure you aren't being charged for a prior tenant’s usage or inaccurate estimated readings.
A Note on Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance is not always required to rent, but many Boston landlords do ask for it. Policies usually include liability coverage and help protect your belongings from fire, theft, or water damage.
More on Tenant Rights & Safety →
