# Sidewalk Repair in Boston, MA: Who Pays? | Who Pays the Repair?

> Who pays for sidewalk repair in Boston, MA? Public ways: city maintains. Private ways: owners maintain everything (check the Street Book).

**Who pays:** shared

Boston: responsibility is shared, Boston public vs private ways.

**Boundary:** Public ways: city maintains. Private ways: owners maintain everything (check the Street Book).

**Property owner:** On PRIVATE ways: owners responsible for all street/sidewalk maintenance.

**City / agency:** On PUBLIC ways: city handles maintenance (owners only clear snow). Address status via the Street Book.

## Sources
- [Public vs. Private Ways](https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/public-vs-private-ways) — "The City of Boston is responsible for all general maintenance of public ways." (accessed 2026-09-27)
- [Public vs. Private Ways](https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/public-vs-private-ways) — "Residents are responsible for all maintenance of the streets and sidewalks along the private way." (accessed 2026-09-27)

_Last verified 2026-08-19. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/boston-ma-sidewalk-repair/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._