Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Aquinnah, MA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Aquinnah, MA, but with restrictions. Aquinnah zoning bylaws require accessory apartments and many rental units to be owner-occupied and/or rented only to year-round domiciliaries of Martha’s Vineyard; certain one- and two-family rental dwellings require a Planning Board Plan Review Committee Special Permit and may be permanently restricted to year-round residents (affordable housing restrictions, occupancy limitations, and annual reporting). The Town also directs hosts to register for the Massachusetts room-occupancy (short-term rental) excise tax. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Aquinnah zoning bylaws require accessory apartments and many rental units to be owner-occupied and/or rented only to year-round domiciliaries of Martha’s Vineyard; certain one- and two-family rental dwellings require a Planning Board Plan Review Committee Special Permit and may be permanently restricted to year-round residents (affordable housing restrictions, occupancy limitations, and annual reporting). The Town also directs hosts to register for the Massachusetts room-occupancy (short-term rental) excise tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Aquinnah. 1) Apply for a Special Permit with the Planning Board Plan Review Committee (Zoning Administrator/Planning Board as permitting authority) where required; obtain Board of Health approval for accessory apartments when specified. 2) Prior to issuance of occupancy permit, file required affidavits with the Zoning Administrator attesting to occupancy restrictions; submit annual lessee lists, leases, and ID documentation on or before Jan 31 for regulated rental apartments. 3) Register for the Massachusetts Room Occupancy Excise Tax via Mass.gov (state registration link provided by the Town). Fees and inspection requirements are only those explicitly stated in the zoning text or state tax registration.

1) Apply for a Special Permit with the Planning Board Plan Review Committee (Zoning Administrator/Planning Board as permitting authority) where required; obtain Board of Health approval for accessory apartments when specified. 2) Prior to issuance of occupancy permit, file required affidavits with the Zoning Administrator attesting to occupancy restrictions; submit annual lessee lists, leases, and ID documentation on or before Jan 31 for regulated rental apartments. 3) Register for the Massachusetts Room Occupancy Excise Tax via Mass.gov (state registration link provided by the Town). Fees and inspection requirements are only those explicitly stated in the zoning text or state tax registration.

Vrbo is permitted in Aquinnah, MA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Aquinnah are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Aquinnah. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.