Boston Municipal Code ch. 10-9 § 10-9.2
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purpose of this Section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. BOSTON RESIDENT. Any individual who maintains a primary residence (i.e., normally eats, sleeps and maintains personal and household effects) in the city. This definition shall include those persons that are commonly known and/or Agency-verifiable as homeless and subsisting within the city. HOMELESS. Any person or persons that have no home, permanent place of residence or permanent housing.
Boston Municipal Code ch. 10-9 § 10-9.2 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the broader Section 10-9 is applied. A 'Boston Resident' is defined by where a person actually lives day-to-day—eating, sleeping, and keeping their belongings—rather than by a formal address alone, and the definition explicitly extends to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living within the city. 'Homeless' is defined broadly to cover anyone lacking a home, permanent residence, or permanent housing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Boston Municipal Code ch. 10-9 § 10-9.2, property owners and managers operating within the scope of Section 10-9 should be aware that residency is determined by actual, day-to-day habitation rather than solely by lease or mailing address. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions consistently when evaluating whether an individual qualifies as a Boston Resident for purposes the broader ordinance covers. Familiarity with the inclusion of homeless individuals within the 'Boston Resident' definition is relevant when administering any program or obligation tied to this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Boston Municipal Code ch. 10-9 § 10-9.2 defines who counts as a 'Boston Resident' in a way that focuses on where a person actually lives, not just whether they have a formal lease or permanent address—meaning individuals experiencing homelessness may still qualify. Tenants or residents who believe they meet this definition and have been incorrectly excluded from protections or programs under Section 10-9 can raise that classification as a relevant issue in any applicable proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations in Boston can help individuals understand how these definitions interact with the broader ordinance and what general options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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