SOME OF THE GIANTS IN THE STUDENT RENTAL TRADE ALSO LEAD THE PACK IN HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE OFFENSES. THEIR VICTIMS ARE BELEAGUERED, SOMETIMES ENDANGERED, TENANTS — AND ALSO A COLLEGE TOWN'S REPUTATION.

EVERY YEAR THEY COME, THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS WHOSE DREAMS HELP DRIVE BOSTON, BUT WHO MUST INCREASINGLY SCROUNGE FOR HOUSING OFF CAMPUS. A GLOBE INVESTIGATION FINDS THEY ARE EASY TARGETS FOR SCOFFLAW LANDLORDS WHOM THE CITY SEEMS UNABLE, OR UNWILLING, TO CONTROL.

This story was reported by Globe Spotlight team reporters Jenn Abelson, Jonathan Saltzman, Casey Ross and Todd Wallack, and editor Thomas Farragher. It was written by Farragher and Ross.