Property management in Charlestown, MA

What managing property in Charlestown actually involves

Most of Charlestown's housing is condominiums in converted rowhouses and townhouses, three to twelve units each, with the Navy Yard's larger buildings at the waterfront. Rental buildings are fewer and mostly small. Parking, historic district rules and shared masonry are the recurring issues for Charlestown associations, and many boards would rather have a manager handle the 6(d) certificates and the roof than do it themselves.

Charlestown is part of the City of Boston, so rental units fall under Boston's annual rental registration with the Inspectional Services Department, and outside its individually landmarked buildings there is no local historic district review today, though the city is studying a proposed Monument Square Landmark District. The Orange Line at Community College and Sullivan Square, and the ferry from the Navy Yard, keep demand high.

What owners in Charlestown deal with

Boston's rental registration applies even when a unit is vacant, under renovation or rented to an adult relative. It costs $25 per unit to register the first time and $15 to renew, capped at $2,500 per building, and it is due each year by July 1, with late payment bringing a $300 penalty each month. Registered units are inspected at least once every five years. The Housing Division of Inspectional Services is at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th floor. Buildings with more than six units must provide their own wheeled recycling carts. After a snowfall, sidewalks and curb ramps must be cleared to 42 inches within three hours. The Landmarks Commission is also studying a proposed Monument Square Landmark District, which would add design review of exterior changes for properties in and around the square.

Copper Bottom in Charlestown

We manage a condominium unit in Charlestown today and serve boards and owners across the neighborhood from our Marblehead office, about thirty-five minutes away.

Switching managers, or done doing it yourself?

Most Charlestown owners and boards call us for one of two reasons: their current manager has gone quiet, or running the building themselves stopped being worth the evenings. We take over without a gap, from 6% of rent or $50 per door. How switching works · What a manager takes off your plate · Free rental analysis

Charlestown questions

Local rules change. Information about Charlestown ordinances and offices was checked in October 2026 and is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the city or town before relying on them.