University of Massachusetts Boston | Off-Campus Housing Search

Off-Campus Housing Fairs: Feb. 25th and Mar. 3rd!

Get a start on your apartment search for next Fall 2026! Meet with local property staff two ways:

In-Person Housing Fair - Wednesday, February 25th, 12-2PM - Campus Center Terrace
Virtual Housing Fair - Tuesday, March 3rd - 12-1PM. REGISTER HERE!

Attend one or both! Mark your calendar, meet with local property managers and land your apartment early!

New Massachusetts Broker Fees Law

What’s New?
As of August 1, 2025, Massachusetts law mandates that only the party who hires the broker - either the landlord or the tenant - must pay the broker fee. This means:

If a landlord hires the broker, the tenant does not pay the fee.
If a tenant initiates contact with a broker and signs a disclosure, they may be liable for the fee, even if it’s verbal or informal.

✅ How to Protect Yourself:

Ask upfront: “Are you a broker?” “Who hired you for this listing?” “Will the renter be expected to pay a broker fee?”
Request Written Fee Disclosures: Always ask for a written agreement that outlines who pays the fee. Don’t rely on verbal assurances; verbal engagement can still trigger liability.
Read Everything Carefully: Review all paperwork before signing or attending showings. Look for terms like “exclusive representation” or “designated agency.”
Walk Away If Unsure: If the terms aren’t clear or you’re uncomfortable, don’t proceed.
Choose Trusted Brokers: If you decide you want to hire an agent to assist in your search, visit the Off-Campus Living Agent/Broker Page for a list of options. Not all agencies charge broker fees.

⚠️ Be Aware of:

Open Houses: Attending without clarifying broker engagement may result in fee liability. Don’t sign in for the event without understanding fee responsibility.
Emails, Calls, or Texts: Initiating contact with a broker can be interpreted as hiring them.
Assumptions: Don’t assume “no fee” just because it wasn’t mentioned. Always ask and confirm.