578 Furnished and unfurnished short-term rentals in Boston, MA: Browse and book your perfect room or apartment today

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a furnished flexible rental in Boston?

  A furnished flexible rental is a fully-equipped apartment or private room available on leases starting at one month, versus a standard 12-month unfurnished lease. Shared-apartment common spaces come furnished by default; studios and one-bedrooms let the tenant choose furnished or unfurnished. This kind of rental is also commonly searched for as a short-term rental, a month-to-month lease, or temporary housing in Boston — different phrasings for the same flexible, furnished model.
• Is this the same as subletting in Boston?

  Not quite. A sublet usually means an existing tenant temporarily hands off their own apartment to someone else. With June Homes, you sign a lease directly, so there’s no original tenant in the background and no risk of an unauthorized sublet violating someone else’s lease.
• What’s the difference between a short-term rental and a long-term rental in Boston?

  June Homes offers lease terms from 1 month up to 12 months, and choosing a longer stay doesn’t mean more paperwork or a broker-style process: every lease length goes through the exact same simple digital application. A shorter, flexible lease suits students, interns, and work assignments; a 12-month lease works more like a traditional Boston rental, with the option to go unfurnished.
• Is it legal to rent a furnished apartment in Boston for less than a year?

  Yes. Boston’s short-term rental rules — under the City of Boston Short-Term Rental Ordinance, enforced by the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) — apply to stays of 28 days or less, requiring registration and, for most categories, owner-occupancy. June Homes’ leases run 30 days at minimum, which puts them outside that definition and treats them as ordinary long-term tenancies. This is a summary of the public rule, not legal advice.
• Do I have to pay a broker fee to rent with June Homes?

  No, June Homes doesn’t charge tenants a broker fee in Boston.
• How do I qualify as a resident?

  Proof that your monthly income is at least 3x the monthly rent, or cash assets equal to 36x the monthly fee (provable via bank statements), plus a credit score above 650. You can use the 3x Rent Calculator to check. There’s also a Boston-specific rent calculator if you’d rather check against local numbers directly.
• What documents do I need to rent in Boston?

  You’ll need a valid ID or passport, proof of income or savings, and a guarantor if your income is low or you’re international.
• What if I don’t qualify as a resident on my own?

  Apply with a guarantor who co-signs your lease, or enroll with June Homes’ partner, TheGuarantors, who can act as your guarantor for a fee if you can’t find your own.
• What is a guarantor, and what do they need?

  A guarantor, usually a parent or guardian, co-signs your lease and commits to covering rent if you can’t. They must show monthly income at least 5x the monthly fee, or cash assets equal to 50x the monthly fee, plus a credit score of at least 650. If you can’t find one yourself, you can enroll with TheGuarantors, who will co-sign for a fee.
• Does the income/credit requirement apply to my whole apartment, or just my room?

  In a shared home, you’re renting an allocable portion of the apartment, and the qualification test applies to that portion’s rent, not the full unit’s.
• Are requirements different for international applicants?

  Yes. The credit-score requirement only applies to applicants with U.S. credit history. International applicants (or their guarantor) provide proof of financial status instead — bank statements or proof of funds from their home country. June Homes also supports international applicants with virtual tours, so you can view a home and apply before you’ve relocated.
• How much is a security deposit, and how soon do I get it back?

  One month’s rent, refundable within 14 days of move-out following a successful inspection.
• How fast can I get approved and move in?

  Pre-approval typically takes less than 2 hours, and you can move in as early as the next day. All you need to apply is your ID and SSN.
• Is there an application fee?

  Yes, but it’s credited toward your first month’s rent once you move in.
• Are utilities included in my rent?

  No, utilities are billed separately based on each unit’s actual consumption.
• Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

  No, every fee applies as communicated during your application, with the sole exception of utility bills, which vary by usage.
• What upfront costs should I expect?

  Your first full month of rent, one month’s rent as a security deposit, and applicable fees — all due within 3 days of signing. The next bill is prorated to the calendar month, then billing continues monthly.

  Beyond what June Homes charges, it’s worth budgeting for moving costs that apply no matter who you rent from: movers or a van if you have belongings to bring, transportation around the city, and, if you choose an unfurnished unit, furniture and setup for your own space.
• Is renting furnished actually cheaper than renting unfurnished and buying your own furniture?

  It depends on how long you’re staying. For a stay under a year, furnished almost always works out cheaper once you factor in furniture, delivery, and moving it when you leave. For a longer stay, buying furniture for an unfurnished place can be more cost-effective over time.
• Is it more affordable to live with a roommate in Boston?

  Yes. Roommates help cut down the high cost of living by sharing rent and utilities. Roughly 30–40% of renters in Boston share housing, given the city’s rent levels and large student population. Our guide to splitting rent fairly breaks down a few different ways to divide costs with a roommate.
• Are there discounts for longer leases or upfront payments?

  We run promos from time to time, so keep an eye on your email, or reach out to our Sales team to ask about any current offers.
• How flexible are rental durations in Boston?

  June Homes offers flexible leases, including 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month options, ideal for short stays, work assignments, or longer-term housing, whether you’re interning at Mass General, studying at MIT, or relocating temporarily.
• What’s the minimum lease duration?

  All units are available for any stay from 1 to 12 months, and you can always extend further if needed. The minimum lease duration in days is 30, just above Boston’s 28-day short-term rental threshold.
• What if I’m not sure how long I’m staying?

  That’s fine, you don’t have to commit to an exact length upfront. Choose the lease term that fits what you know now; June Homes notifies you in writing before your lease ends about renewal options, and extending is possible depending on availability, though it’s not guaranteed.
• Can I book an apartment instantly after applying?

  Yes, once approved, you can book instantly. It’s first-come, first-served, so submit everything quickly if you want a specific unit; if it’s taken, June Homes will help you find an equally good alternative.
• Are virtual tours available? What about in-person tours?

  Yes, view listings via virtual tour on the site, or schedule a guided tour with an agent (up to 2 properties). In-person tours are available after application approval.
• Can I book multiple rooms or the entire unit for a group?

  Absolutely. Depending on availability, you can book several rooms or even the entire unit for shared living or group housing.
• What are the cheapest neighborhoods for flexible rentals in Boston?

  Looking for affordable apartments or rooms in Boston? A few neighborhoods offer more budget-friendly options:

  • Dorchester: Boston’s largest neighborhood, with lower rental prices and Red Line access.
  • Allston: student-friendly, with plenty of affordable room rentals near Boston University.
  • Roxbury: up-and-coming, diverse, and more affordable than central neighborhoods.
  • Brighton: quieter than Allston but still cost-effective, with easy access to the Green Line.
  • East Boston: great skyline views, airport access, and lower prices via the Blue Line.
  • Hyde Park: Boston’s southernmost neighborhood, with suburban vibes and affordable rents.

  For a deeper breakdown of Boston’s cheapest and priciest areas side by side, see our full neighborhood cost guide.
• What neighborhoods are safest in Boston for renters?

  These neighborhoods are known for lower crime rates and a strong sense of community:

  • Beacon Hill: historic, walkable, and among the safest areas in Boston.
  • Back Bay: upscale, central, and secure, with great transit access.
  • West Roxbury: quiet, residential, ideal for peaceful living.
  • Jamaica Plain: diverse, laid-back, and community-focused, with Orange Line access.
  • South Boston (Southie): revitalized and increasingly popular with professionals.
  • Cambridge (Harvard/Porter Square): safe, well-connected, great for students and young professionals.

  For a closer look at each of these, see our full safest neighborhoods in Boston guide.
• Where to live in Boston?

  It depends on your lifestyle. Want charm and history? Beacon Hill or the North End. Prefer a younger vibe? Allston and Somerville, popular with students and creatives. Need access to hospitals or research centers? Longwood Medical Area or Fenway. Not sure where to settle? Try a furnished flexible rental first. For a closer look at what it’s actually like living here, see our guide to the pros and cons of living in Boston.
• Do you need a car in Boston?

  Not really. Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., and the MBTA (“the T”) makes it easy to get around. Many renters in central neighborhoods like Back Bay, Fenway, or Cambridge rely entirely on public transit. Parking can be expensive, so unless you’re commuting from further suburbs, a car isn’t necessary.
• Is temporary housing available in Boston with June Homes?

  Yes, a flexible, furnished June Homes lease works as temporary housing in Boston for anyone who doesn’t need a 12-month commitment: relocating professionals, students between semesters, or anyone bridging a gap between homes.
• Is it safe to live with roommates I don’t know, and how does June Homes vet them?

  Every U.S.-based resident goes through background and credit checks before moving in, and June Homes speaks with touring residents beforehand, though that verifies who someone is, not whether you’ll get along, so screening can’t guarantee compatibility. Roommates are usually professionals or students; per fair housing law, June Homes can’t filter by age or gender.
• Are the apartments furnished?

  Shared spaces within shared homes always come furnished; you choose the furnishing status of your own room. For a studio or 1-bedroom, you choose the furnishing status of the entire space.
• Do apartments come with air conditioning, heating, an elevator, or in-unit laundry?

  Some properties do while others don’t. The best way to find out about a specific home is to read the home description, or reach out to our team for any specific requests.
• Are pets allowed, and are there any breed or size restrictions?

  Yes, pets are allowed in designated pet-friendly units, with a limit of one pet per unit. There are no breed or size restrictions, but we follow all applicable state laws. ESAs and service animals are welcome in all units.
• Do I need renter’s insurance?

  Coverage requirements can vary, so check your lease or ask our team about the unit you’re interested in. Either way, a renter’s protection plan is worth considering: it’s your resource for filing a claim if your belongings are damaged or lost, and depending on the insurance package, you may also be eligible for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable for a period of time. Reach out to TheGuarantors’ insurance team directly, they can help answer any questions and find the right plan for you.
• What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Boston, MA?

  The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Boston starts at $3050 per month. As of October 05, 2026 there are 8 1-bedroom apartments available for rent in Boston, MA
• What is the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Boston, MA?

  The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Boston starts at $3650 per month. As of October 05, 2026 there are 2 2-bedroom apartments available for rent in Boston, MA
• What is the average rent for a room in Boston, MA?

  The average rent for a room in Boston starts at $1350 per month. As of October 05, 2026 there are 575 rooms available for rent in Boston, MA