If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Public ways: city maintains. Private ways: owners maintain everything (check the Street Book).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | On PRIVATE ways: owners responsible for all street/sidewalk maintenance. |
| City / public agency | On PUBLIC ways: city handles maintenance (owners only clear snow). Address status via the Street Book. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Aug 19, 2026.
The City of Boston is responsible for all general maintenance of public ways.
Residents are responsible for all maintenance of the streets and sidewalks along the private way.
City rules rest on state law. Read Massachusetts's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in Boston, MA?
Responsibility is shared. On PRIVATE ways: owners responsible for all street/sidewalk maintenance.
What is this based on for Boston, MA?
This verdict is sourced to Public vs. Private Ways and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Public vs. Private Waysofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Public vs. Private Waysofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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