State Airbnb laws2026 36 sources cited

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Laws & Hotel Tax (2026)

Airbnb is legal in Massachusetts: every host registers each property free with the Department of Revenue and carries $1,000,000 in liability insurance, and each town can add its own license, night cap or residency rule.6,11,12,15,19,22,24,28,30,34,35

Source: AirROI Reviewed by , Founder @ AirROI Rules checked

From 33 official sources, 2 Airbnb help pages and 1 news report. Not legal advice.

The short answer

Massachusetts Airbnb Laws in Brief

  • Register each rental free with the Department of Revenue and put the certificate number on the listing.
  • Carry $1,000,000 in liability insurance (unless the platform covers it) and keep working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Taxes: 5.7% state plus up to 6% local (6.5% Boston), 2.75% on Cape Cod and in Boston and Cambridge, and up to 3% on professionally managed units; Airbnb collects them.
  • Towns set their own rules: Boston, Cambridge and Somerville need the host in residence; Provincetown fines reach $5,000.

At a glance

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Laws at a Glance

State license required
Yes
Next rule change
Nov 16, 2026

The laws in brief

The rules a Massachusetts host meets first, each linked to the ordinance, statute or official page it comes from. Details and exceptions follow below.

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Laws at a Glance
TopicRule
PermitEvery operator registers with the state6,19
Who can hostState law covers owned, rented and second homes1
WhereProvincetown: two units per owner, no corporate owners14
Building rulesLeases and association rules still apply8
Night capTowns may cap nights, licenses and operator classes7
Listing displayPost the certificate and give the number to the platform19,35
PlatformsAirbnb blocks unregistered listings35
SafetyPost fire and shut-off information inside the unit7
Insurance$1,000,000 liability insurance9

Your home

Can You Host an Airbnb in Massachusetts? It Depends on the Home

Whether you can host in Massachusetts turns on whose home it is and whether you live there.

Your own home, rented whole while you're away

Allowed with conditions

Allowed with state registration and insurance. Boston allows it as a home share ($200 a year), Somerville caps it at 90 nights a year, and Cambridge limits rentals of your own home to three bedrooms. Cape towns such as Barnstable and Chatham need a local certificate.6,15,22,23,26,30

A room in your home with you present

Allowed

The most widely allowed form. Register with the state; Boston charges $25 a year for a limited share unit, Somerville allows it 365 nights a year, and Cambridge allows up to three bedrooms.6,22,23,26

A second home or investment property you don't live in

Allowed with conditions

Not allowed in Boston, Cambridge or Somerville, which require the host to live in the home. Allowed in Cape towns with the state registration and a local certificate; Provincetown caps an owner at two units and bars corporate owners, and Yarmouth's zoning for short-term rentals expires on November 30, 2026.1,14,16,22,23,26

A rented apartment (tenant hosting)

Allowed with conditions

State law does not override a lease. Somerville and Cambridge let tenants host with the owner's written approval; Boston registration requires the operator to be the owner.8,11,23,26

A condominium or homeowners association building

Allowed with conditions

State law gives no right to rent short term where association rules or the master deed prohibit it, and Boston and Cambridge ask for confirmation that the condominium documents or association allow it.8,11,23

Permit

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts hosts need the Certificate of Registration from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (MassTaxConnect) and the city or town. It costs $0.6,11,12,15,19,22,24,28,30,34,35

Who needs it
Every operator of a short-term rental of 31 days or fewer, for each property, including homes rented 14 days or fewer a year; the town certificate is required in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Provincetown, Barnstable, Chatham and Yarmouth, among others.6,11,12,15,19,22,24,28,30,34,35
Issued by
Massachusetts Department of Revenue (MassTaxConnect) and the city or town
Valid for
The state certificate has no fee and no annual renewal, apart from the January 15 declaration for homes rented 14 days or fewer. Town certificates run one year in Boston, Provincetown, Chatham (March 1 to February 28), Barnstable (to December 31) and Somerville (to March 31), and five years in Cambridge.
Processing
State registration is completed online in a few minutes; town certificates depend on the inspection schedule.
On listings
The number must appear on every listing
Platform checks
Airbnb requires the state certificate number on each listing and blocks listings that are not registered; the Department of Revenue can ask platforms to remove properties without a certificate.

Fees

Fees
FeeAmount
State registration (Department of Revenue)Free; register each property on MassTaxConnect.$0
Boston limited share unitRegistration with Inspectional Services, renewed each year.$25
Boston home share or owner-adjacent unitRegistration with Inspectional Services, renewed each year.$200
Cambridge certificate of registrationPaid in full or as $100 a year over five years; an inspection comes first.$500
Somerville registrationPaid at application and each renewal; the certificate expires the following March 31.$250
Provincetown certificate to rentPer unit, valid one year.$750
Chatham rental certificateValid March 1 to February 28.$200
Barnstable rental certificateBoard of Health registration under the rental properties chapter, renewed by December 31.$250

Who qualifies

  • No statewide residency requirement: owned, rented and second homes can register with the state
  • Boston, Cambridge and Somerville: the host must live in the home; Boston also requires the operator to own it
  • Provincetown: two units per owner, none in corporate-owned or income-restricted homes
  • Condominium, association and lease rules still apply

How to apply

  1. Check the town's rules, and your lease, condominium or association documents, before listing.
  2. Register as an operator on MassTaxConnect, add the Room Occupancy Consolidated account, list each property and download the certificate for each (a C followed by 10 digits).
  3. Carry $1,000,000 in liability insurance or rely on a platform that provides it, and tell your home insurer.
  4. Register or apply for a certificate with the city or town where it requires one, and pass any inspection.
  5. Add the state certificate number, and the town number where one is issued, to every listing.
  6. File monthly returns on MassTaxConnect only for rentals booked outside Airbnb.

Applications go through the official application page .

Permit rules

Every operator registers with the state
State law bars anyone from operating a short-term rental without a certificate of registration from the Department of Revenue, issued through MassTaxConnect for each property.6,19 In force since July 1, 2019
Post the certificate and give the number to the platform
The certificate must be posted in the property, and the operator gives a copy or the certificate number to any platform or agent used. Airbnb requires the number on each listing.19,35 In force since July 1, 2019
Airbnb blocks unregistered listings
Airbnb states that listings without a Department of Revenue registration are blocked from hosting short stays, and one state certificate number covers all listings at an address.35
Platforms and agents must confirm registration
A platform or property manager that collects rent must confirm the operator is registered and may not list a property whose operator withholds the identifying information.19 In force since July 1, 2019
Towns may require their own license and inspections
Cities and towns may require local licensing or registration, health and safety inspections at the operator's cost, proof of no open code violations, and a fee to cover administration.7
Boston: annual registration of $25 or $200
Boston registration is renewed each year: $25 for a limited share unit and $200 for a home share or owner-adjacent unit, and the city number goes on every listing.11,22 Applies to: Boston
Cambridge: $500 certificate valid five years
A Cambridge certificate of registration costs $500, payable up front or as $100 a year over five years, and follows an inspection by the Inspectional Services Department.24 Applies to: Cambridge
Barnstable: Board of Health rental registration
Barnstable has no short-term rental ordinance; every rental registers with the Board of Health for $250, and the Town Council withdrew a proposed short-term rental ordinance in 2020.15,29 Applies to: Barnstable

Who can host

What Massachusetts Cities and Counties Can and Can't Regulate

State law covers owned, rented and second homes
The state definition of a short-term rental covers owner-occupied, tenant-occupied and non-owner-occupied homes, so state law itself sets no primary-residence rule; towns add their own.1
Leases and association rules still apply
State law gives no right to rent short term where a homeowners association, lease or other enforceable agreement prohibits it.8
Boston: owner-occupied homes only
Boston allows stays under 28 days only in owner-occupied condominiums and one-, two- and three-family buildings, as a limited share, home share or owner-adjacent unit, and the host must live there at least nine months a year.11,22 Applies to: Boston
Cambridge: live there, three bedrooms, or owner-adjacent
Cambridge allows an operator-occupied rental of up to three bedrooms in the host's primary residence, or a whole unit in a building of four or fewer homes that the host owns and lives in.23 Applies to: Cambridge
Somerville: primary residence only, 90 nights when away
Somerville allows short-term rentals only in the host's primary residence, and caps rentals at 90 days a year when the host is not on the premises.12,26 Applies to: Somerville · In force since January 1, 2020
Provincetown: two units per owner, no corporate owners
Provincetown limits an owner to two short-term rental units and bars short-term rentals in homes owned by a corporation or in income-restricted housing.14 Applies to: Provincetown
Yarmouth: short-term rental zoning expires November 30, 2026
Yarmouth allows short-term rentals by right in listed zoning districts under Section 418, which expires at 11:59 PM on November 30, 2026 unless the town acts.16 Applies to: Yarmouth · In force since April 30, 2024

Local rules

Local Rules in Massachusetts's 8 Largest Airbnb Markets

A state license doesn't replace local rules. Cities and counties still set registration, occupancy, parking and safety requirements. These are Massachusetts's largest markets by active Airbnb listings, with the share of each market's listings that display a registration or license number.

  1. 1. Boston

    Suffolk County

    Boston allows short stays of fewer than 28 days only in owner-occupied homes, as a limited share, home share or owner-adjacent unit. Registration with Inspectional Services is renewed each year at $25 or $200, and fines run $100 to $300 a day.11,21,22

    • Owner-occupied condominiums and one- to three-family buildings only; primary residence nine months a year
    • Annual registration: $25 limited share, $200 home share or owner-adjacent
    • City registration number on every listing; abutters notified within 30 days
    • Fine: $300 a day for an ineligible unit, $100 a day for no registration

  2. 2. Cambridge

    Middlesex County

    Cambridge allows stays under 30 days only as an operator-occupied rental of up to three bedrooms in the host's primary residence or an owner-adjacent whole unit in a building of four or fewer homes. The certificate costs $500 and lasts five years after an inspection.21,23,24,25

    • Operator-occupied: host lives in the unit, up to three legal bedrooms
    • Owner-adjacent: whole unit only, host owns the building (four homes or fewer) and lives in it
    • Certificate of registration $500 (or $100 a year for five years), inspection first
    • Fines up to $300 a day; amendments proposed in 2025 and 2026 were not adopted

  3. 3. Provincetown

    Barnstable County

    Provincetown requires a town rental certificate at $750 a year per unit and limits an owner to two short-term rental units, with no corporate ownership. Taxes total 14.45%, or 17.45% on professionally managed units.13,14,21,27,28

    • Certificate to rent $750 per unit, valid one year; inspection within 30 days of applying
    • Two units per owner; none in corporate-owned or income-restricted homes
    • Town fines of $100, $200 then $300, or a civil penalty up to $5,000
    • Taxes: 5.7% state, 6% local, 2.75% Cape and Islands fund, plus 3% on professionally managed units

  4. 4. Dennis

    Barnstable County

    Dennis requires every rental to hold a Health Department rental occupancy certificate in addition to the state registration. Taxes total 14.45%, plus a 3% community impact fee on professionally managed units since January 1, 2026.21,32,33

    • State registration with the Department of Revenue, even for 14 days or fewer
    • Health Department rental occupancy certificate and a town short-term rental regulation (amended July 10, 2025)
    • Taxes: 5.7% state, 6% local, 2.75% Cape and Islands fund
    • 3% community impact fee on professionally managed units from January 1, 2026

  5. 5. Barnstable

    Barnstable County

    Barnstable has no short-term rental ordinance; its Town Council withdrew one in 2020. Every rental registers with the Board of Health for $250 under the rental properties chapter, with fines up to $300.15,21,29

    • Board of Health rental registration: $250, renewed by December 31
    • Fine up to $300 for breaking the rental properties chapter
    • No community impact fee; taxes 5.7% state, 6% local, 2.75% Cape and Islands fund (14.45%)

  6. 6. Yarmouth

    Barnstable County

    Yarmouth allows short-term rentals by right in listed zoning districts under Section 418, with annual Health Department registration and a two-night minimum. The bylaw expires on November 30, 2026, and a special town meeting is set for November 16, 2026.16,21,31

    • Annual registration through the Health Department; certificate displayed with a 24-hour contact
    • Minimum stay of two consecutive nights; no events, RVs or tents
    • Zoning bylaw expires 11:59 PM, November 30, 2026
    • Taxes: 5.7% state, 6% local, 2.75% Cape and Islands fund (14.45%)

  7. 7. Somerville

    Middlesex County

    Somerville allows short-term rentals only in the host's primary residence, up to 90 nights a year when the host is away. A city certificate costs $250 and expires each March 31; a 3% community impact fee has applied since July 1, 2025.12,21,26

    • Primary residence only; no adjacent units
    • 90 nights a year when the host is away; unlimited with the host present
    • Registration fee $250, certificate expires the following March 31
    • Up to 10 guests or two per guest bedroom; one party at a time

  8. 8. Chatham

    Barnstable County

    Chatham requires a town rental certificate for every short-term rental, at $200 a year, valid March 1 to February 28, with Health Division inspections of all rentals by the end of 2027. Taxes total 14.45%.21,30

    • Rental certificate $200, renewed annually; valid March 1 to February 28
    • Chatham registration number on every listing
    • Occupancy limited to two per legal bedroom plus two
    • Taxes: 5.7% state, 6% local, 2.75% Cape and Islands fund

Taxes

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Taxes

About 14.45% of the rent and cleaning fees across Cape Cod and in Cambridge (5.7% state, 6% local, 2.75% regional charge); 14.95% in Boston; 11.7% in Somerville and Oak Bluffs; 5.7% where a town has no local tax; up to 3% more on professionally managed units where adopted, for a ceiling of 17.95% in Boston.

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Taxes
TaxRateCollected by
State room occupancy excise 5.7% of the rent, including cleaning fees and guest fees5.7%19,35Airbnb
Local option room occupancy excise Up to 6% set by each city or town (6.5% in Boston); 6% in Cambridge, Somerville, Provincetown, Dennis, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Chatham and Oak Bluffs—3,21,35Airbnb
Convention center financing fee 2.75% of the rent, in Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, West Springfield and Chicopee only2.75%18,19,35Airbnb
Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund excise 2.75% of the rent, in every Barnstable County town (Provincetown, Dennis, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Chatham)2.75%4,19,35Airbnb
Community impact fee Up to 3% of the rent where the town has adopted it, on professionally managed units (and on owner-occupied two- and three-family homes where a second vote applies)3%5,21,35Airbnb

What the host still handles

  • Operator registration with the Department of Revenue on MassTaxConnect for every property, even if no tax is owed
  • Local registration, license or rental certificate where the city or town requires one (Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Provincetown, Barnstable, Chatham and Yarmouth do)
  • Monthly room occupancy returns, due by the 30th of the following month, for any rentals booked outside Airbnb
  • The 14-day exemption declaration by January 15 each year, for homes rented 14 days or fewer3,4,5,19,21,35

Operating rules

Operating Rules for Massachusetts Short-Term Rentals

Towns may cap nights, licenses and operator classes
A city or town can regulate where operators locate, the class of operator, the number of local licenses issued and the number of days a home may be rented in a calendar year.7
Towns set their own civil penalties
A city or town may set a civil penalty for breaking its short-term rental ordinance or bylaw, and must tell the Department of Revenue when it suspends or ends an operator's right to operate.7
$1,000,000 liability insurance
Each operator must carry at least $1,000,000 of liability insurance for each short-term rental, unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage.9 In force since July 1, 2019
Tell your home insurer
An operator who plans to run a short-term rental must notify the insurer that writes the homeowners or renters policy, because insurers may exclude coverage for rentals.9 In force since July 1, 2019
Post fire and shut-off information inside the unit
Whatever a town requires, the operator must post inside the unit where the fire extinguishers, gas shut-off valves, fire exits and fire alarms are.7
Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Short-term rentals must have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and in the required locations, meeting the Massachusetts Fire Code.34
Lead paint form for homes built before 1978
For a home built before 1978, the host completes the state lead-paint exemption form and gives it to a guest with a child under six before the stay is confirmed.34
Rentals of 14 days or fewer a year are exempt from the excise
An operator who rents a home for no more than 14 days in a calendar year still registers, files a declaration by January 15, and owes no room occupancy excise or fees.2,19

Fines

How to Avoid Airbnb Fines in Massachusetts

Fines in Massachusetts fall on hosting without the Certificate of Registration, or outside the rules above. With it in hand and the rules followed, none of the fines below apply.

  • Provincetown: a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation of its short-term rental bylaw, with each day a separate offense; the noncriminal ticket scale is $100, $200 and then $300.14
  • Boston: $300 per violation per day for offering an ineligible unit, and $100 per violation per day for renting without a registration.11
  • Cambridge: fines of up to $300 a day for violations of the short-term rental ordinance or code violations.24
  • Barnstable: a fine of up to $300 for breaking the rental property chapter, and each day of continued violation may count as a separate offense.15
  • Statewide: without a certificate of registration, the Department of Revenue may ask a platform or agent to remove the property from its listings, and Airbnb blocks unregistered listings.19,35

Changes

What's Changed in Massachusetts's Airbnb Rules, and What's Next

3 changes are scheduled after October 20, 2026; the most recent rules are listed first.

  1. December 1, 2026 Upcoming
    Oak Bluffs short-term rental bylaw goes to town meeting

    The Oak Bluffs Select Board voted to send a short-term rental bylaw to the December 1, 2026 special town meeting; it would permit short-term rentals as a use and require state and town registration.36

  2. November 30, 2026 Upcoming
    Yarmouth short-term rental zoning bylaw expires

    Section 418 of the Yarmouth zoning bylaw, which allows short-term rentals, expires at 11:59 PM on November 30, 2026; rentals that comply continue until then, after which the use lapses unless the town renews the bylaw.16

  3. November 16, 2026 Upcoming
    Yarmouth special town meeting

    Yarmouth holds a Special Town Meeting on November 16, 2026, two weeks before its short-term rental zoning bylaw expires.16,31

  4. August 19, 2026 Lapsed
    Cambridge petition for a rental night cap lapses

    A second City Council petition on short-term rentals (CMA 2026-188) went to the Planning Board on August 4, 2026 and the Ordinance Committee on August 19, 2026, and is listed as not adopted, with no action taken.25

  5. January 1, 2026
    Dennis adopts the community impact fee

    Dennis's 3% community impact fee on professionally managed short-term rentals took effect on January 1, 2026.21

  6. August 27, 2025 Lapsed
    Cambridge short-term rental amendments lapse

    A 2025 City Council petition to tighten Cambridge's short-term rental ordinance (CMA 2025 #176) was heard by the Planning Board on August 5, 2025 and the Ordinance Committee on August 27, 2025, and is listed as not adopted, with no action taken.25

  7. July 1, 2025
    Provincetown requires short-term rental inspections

    Provincetown requires applicants for a short-term rental certificate to schedule an inspection within 30 days of the application or renewal, including a 5 lb fire extinguisher in each unit.27

  8. July 1, 2025
    Somerville adopts the community impact fee

    Somerville's 3% community impact fee on short-term rentals took effect on July 1, 2025.21

  9. June 16, 2025 Not in force
    Statewide rental safety inspection bill (S.2736)

    The proposed Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act would require an annual smoke and carbon monoxide inspection of every short-term rental, with a fee capped at $100 per unit; it is before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.17

  10. April 30, 2024
    Yarmouth allows short-term rentals by right, with a sunset

    Yarmouth's short-term rental zoning bylaw (Section 418) took effect on April 30, 2024 with an expiry of November 30, 2026.16

  11. July 1, 2023
    Chatham requires a rental certificate

    Chatham's Board of Health regulation requires every short-term rental to hold a town rental certificate before renting, effective July 1, 2023.30

  12. April 1, 2023
    Somerville requires registration

    Somerville's January 26, 2023 amendment requires short-term rentals to hold a city certificate of registration from April 1, 2023.26

  13. January 1, 2023
    Provincetown adds a 3% community impact fee

    Provincetown's 3% community impact fee on professionally managed short-term rental units took effect on January 1, 2023.21,27

  14. July 1, 2019
    State registration and room occupancy excise begin

    Under the 2018 Act Regulating and Insuring Short-Term Rentals, the room occupancy excise began applying to short-term rentals of 31 days or less, every operator had to register with the Department of Revenue, and the $1,000,000 insurance rule started.9,10,19

Listing data

What Massachusetts's Listings Show

What officials report

43,400
Short-term rentals on the state registry · as of July 2024As of July 2024, 43,400 short-term rentals were on the state's public registry of lodging operators, about 93% of registered entities.20
5000%
Share of registered rentals in Barnstable County · as of July 2024Half of all registered short-term rentals statewide are in Barnstable County, which holds 6% of the state's housing units.20
239
Municipalities with a local room occupancy tax · as of October 17, 2026Of 351 cities and towns, 239 charge a local room occupancy tax.21
45
Municipalities with a short-term rental community impact fee · as of October 17, 2026Forty-five cities and towns charge the community impact fee on short-term rentals.21

Earnings

What Could a Short-Term Rental in Massachusetts Earn?

The rules shape the numbers: a license that costs $25 a year and taxes of 14.45% that Airbnb adds to guests' bills. For a specific address, the Airbnb calculator estimates revenue, occupancy and nightly rate from comparable listings, so you can test the numbers before applying.

Estimate what a home could earn

FAQ

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Laws: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts has no statewide ban: every operator registers each property with the Department of Revenue and carries $1,000,000 in liability insurance, and each city or town may add its own license, night cap or residency rule.6,7,9

Do I need a permit or license for Airbnb in Massachusetts?

You need a state certificate of registration for every property from the Department of Revenue, and many towns require a local registration or certificate too, including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Provincetown, Barnstable and Chatham.15,19,22,23,26,27,30,34

How much does the Massachusetts short-term rental registration cost?

State registration is free. Local fees vary: Boston $25 or $200 a year, Cambridge $500, Somerville $250, Provincetown $750 a year, Barnstable $250 and Chatham $200 a year.12,15,22,24,28,30,35

Can I rent a home I don't live in?

Under state law yes, but towns decide. Boston, Cambridge and Somerville require the host to live in the home, while Cape Cod towns such as Barnstable, Chatham and Provincetown allow second homes, with Provincetown capping an owner at two units.1,14,15,22,23,26,30

Does Airbnb collect hotel or occupancy tax in Massachusetts?

Yes. Airbnb collects and remits the 5.7% state excise, the local option tax, the 2.75% Cape Cod and Islands and convention center charges where they apply, and the community impact fee, so you file returns only for bookings made outside Airbnb.35

What is the total lodging tax on an Airbnb stay in Massachusetts?

It runs from 5.7% where a town has no local tax to about 14.45% on Cape Cod and in Cambridge, 14.95% in Boston, and up to 3% more on professionally managed units where the town adopted the community impact fee.19,21,35

Do I need liability insurance to host in Massachusetts?

Yes. Each operator must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance for every short-term rental unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage, and must notify the home insurer.9

What is the fine for operating illegally?

Fines are set by each town: Provincetown can assess a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation, Boston fines $100 to $300 a day, Cambridge up to $300 a day and Barnstable up to $300 per violation.11,14,15,24

Is there a limit on how many nights I can host?

State law sets none but lets towns set one. Somerville allows 90 nights a year when the host is away, while Boston allows up to 365 nights for registered owner-occupied units.7,11,26

Can my town ban or restrict short-term rentals?

Towns can limit the number of days, the class of operator and the number of local licenses, require inspections and set penalties, but state law does not let them waive the state registration or the insurance rule.6,7,9

Do I have to register if I rent only a few days a year?

Yes. Even a home rented 14 days or fewer a year must register, and the host claims the exemption from the room occupancy excise by January 15 of that year.2,19

Do I need smoke alarms and a lead paint form?

Yes. Short-term rentals need working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and a home built before 1978 needs the state lead paint exemption form given to guests with a child under six.34

Method

How These Rules Were Checked

Each rule on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official source cited beside it: the ordinance or statute, the permit office's own pages and the tax authority. Airbnb's help pages are cited on their own only for what Airbnb itself does, such as the taxes it collects and the permit checks it runs, and otherwise only beside an official source; news reports only for when a change was announced. Rules that could not be confirmed on an official page are left out. The mass.gov pages, the Division of Local Services rate report and the Boston municipal code on American Legal were read in a browser; the quote check reads only the first part of the long Provincetown General By-Laws PDF, which was read in full with a PDF text extractor.

Rules change with council votes, court rulings and new state laws, so the page is rechecked every three months and whenever a scheduled change takes effect. It summarizes the rules for information and is not legal advice; the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the city or town has the final word on any application.

Sources

Sources

Each rule above links to the source it comes from. Official ordinances, statutes and government pages come first, then Airbnb's own help pages.

  1. 1. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 1 (definitions) · Massachusetts Legislature
  2. 2. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 3 (room occupancy excise; 14-day exemption) · Massachusetts Legislature
  3. 3. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 3A (local option excise) · Massachusetts Legislature
  4. 4. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 3C (Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund excise) · Massachusetts Legislature
  5. 5. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 3D (community impact fee) · Massachusetts Legislature
  6. 6. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 6 (certificate of registration) · Massachusetts Legislature
  7. 7. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 14 (local regulation of operators) · Massachusetts Legislature
  8. 8. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 15 (association and lease restrictions) · Massachusetts Legislature
  9. 9. M.G.L. c. 175, section 4F (liability insurance for short-term rentals) · Massachusetts Legislature
  10. 10. Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018: An Act Regulating and Insuring Short-Term Rentals · Massachusetts Legislature
  11. 11. Boston Municipal Code 9-14: Short-Term Rentals · City of Boston (American Legal Publishing)
  12. 12. Ordinance No. 2023-01: Short-Term Rentals · City of Somerville City Council
  13. 13. Part XII, Article 5: Habitations for Rent Regulation · Town of Provincetown Board of Health
  14. 14. General By-Laws, section 13-10: Prohibitions Related to Short-Term Rental of Residential Properties · Town of Provincetown
  15. 15. Chapter 170: Rental Properties · Town of Barnstable
  16. 16. Zoning Bylaw: Short-Term Rentals (Section 418) · Town of Yarmouth
  17. 17. Bill S.2736: An Act relative to the Maggie Hubbard rental safety act · Massachusetts Legislature
  18. 18. M.G.L. c. 64G, section 3B (convention center financing fee) · Massachusetts Legislature
  19. 19. Room Occupancy Excise Tax · Massachusetts Department of Revenue
  20. 20. What do we know about seasonal homes and short-term rentals? · Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
  21. 21. Room Tax and Impact Fee Effective Dates and Rates · Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services
  22. 22. Short-Term Rentals · City of Boston Inspectional Services Department
  23. 23. Register a Short-Term Rental · City of Cambridge Inspectional Services
  24. 24. Short-Term Rental Guide · City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department
  25. 25. Past Zoning Amendments Not Adopted · City of Cambridge Community Development Department
  26. 26. Short-Term Rental Policy · City of Somerville
  27. 27. Renter/Rental Certificate Information · Town of Provincetown
  28. 28. Application for Certificate to Rent · Town of Provincetown
  29. 29. Barnstable Short-Term Rental Information Page · Town of Barnstable Planning and Development
  30. 30. Short Term Rental Registration Certificate · Town of Chatham Health Division
  31. 31. Rental/Housing Program · Town of Yarmouth
  32. 32. Short Term Rental Fact Sheet - Updated · Town of Dennis Health Department
  33. 33. Rental Occupancy Certificates · Town of Dennis Health Department
  34. 34. Massachusetts · Airbnb Help Center
  35. 35. Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Massachusetts · Airbnb Help Center
  36. 36. Short-Term Rental Bylaw Heads to Oak Bluffs Town Meeting · The Vineyard Gazette