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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Boston, MA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only for owner-occupied residential units (condominiums, single-family, two-family, and three-family dwellings — for two- and three-family buildings the owner-occupant must own all units). STRs are defined as residential occupancy for fewer than 28 consecutive days; units subject to affordability covenants or income-restrictions, or units with outstanding building, sanitary, zoning, or fire code violations, are ineligible. The City requires compliance with applicable housing, zoning, building, and fire codes and maintains a public Short-Term Rental Registry.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register online through the City of Boston ISD Short-Term Rental registration portal (Online Permits & Licenses: /isd/ShortTermRental). 2) Provide required information demonstrating eligibility (owner-occupancy/Operator status, local contact phone number, and attestation of no outstanding violations or affordability restrictions); ISD posts eligible/registered units to the public STR registry. 3) Pay the stated annual registration fee where applicable (ISD call-center guidance indicates a $200 per year fee) and maintain compliance; ISD may suspend registration if disqualifying violations arise.

Regulatory Updates — Boston

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2019

Boston Short-Term Rental Ordinance in Full Effect

Boston's STR ordinance requires all operators to register with the city and limits vacation rentals to the operator's primary residence. Whole-home rentals at investment properties or second homes are prohibited. Operators must display their registration number in all listings and renew annually.

Official source
PassedAugust 2024

Enforcement Campaign Against Non-Compliant Listings

Boston's Inspectional Services Department has conducted enforcement campaigns using listing platform data to identify non-registered or non-compliant operators. Non-compliant properties receive orders to cease STR operations pending registration compliance.

PassedJanuary 2023

Massachusetts Lodging Excise Tax Collected by Platforms

Massachusetts requires Airbnb, Vrbo, and other marketplace facilitators to collect and remit the state lodging excise tax (5.7%) and applicable local option taxes on behalf of hosts. This simplifies tax compliance for Boston operators who are operating legally.

Official source

Official Resources

Official Boston STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Greater Boston Real Estate BoardLocal

Tracks Boston zoning and land-use regulations including STR ordinance provisions affecting property owners in the city.

Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Statewide association monitoring property regulations including STR-related licensing and tax changes across Massachusetts municipalities.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring Boston's regulatory framework and providing compliance resources for operators in New England's most restricted major market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Boston, MA?
Short-term rentals are permitted only for owner-occupied residential units (condominiums, single-family, two-family, and three-family dwellings — for two- and three-family buildings the owner-occupant must own all units). STRs are defined as residential occupancy for fewer than 28 consecutive days; units subject to affordability covenants or income-restrictions, or units with outstanding building, sanitary, zoning, or fire code violations, are ineligible. The City requires compliance with applicable housing, zoning, building, and fire codes and maintains a public Short-Term Rental Registry.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Boston?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Boston. 1) Register online through the City of Boston ISD Short-Term Rental registration portal (Online Permits & Licenses: /isd/ShortTermRental). 2) Provide required information demonstrating eligibility (owner-occupancy/Operator status, local contact phone number, and attestation of no outstanding violations or affordability restrictions); ISD posts eligible/registered units to the public STR registry. 3) Pay the stated annual registration fee where applicable (ISD call-center guidance indicates a $200 per year fee) and maintain compliance; ISD may suspend registration if disqualifying violations arise.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Boston?
1) Register online through the City of Boston ISD Short-Term Rental registration portal (Online Permits & Licenses: /isd/ShortTermRental). 2) Provide required information demonstrating eligibility (owner-occupancy/Operator status, local contact phone number, and attestation of no outstanding violations or affordability restrictions); ISD posts eligible/registered units to the public STR registry. 3) Pay the stated annual registration fee where applicable (ISD call-center guidance indicates a $200 per year fee) and maintain compliance; ISD may suspend registration if disqualifying violations arise.
Can I operate a short-term rental in Boston if it is not my primary residence?
No. Boston prohibits whole-home short-term rentals at properties that are not the operator's primary residence. Investment condos, second homes, and absentee-owned properties cannot be licensed for STR use under the current ordinance. Owner-adjacent units (e.g., a two-family where the owner lives in one unit and rents the other short-term) may qualify under specific provisions. Review the city's STR regulations carefully or consult a Boston attorney before assuming any non-primary property can be licensed.
What is the process for registering a Boston short-term rental?
Eligible primary residents apply for an STR license through the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department. The application requires proof of primary residency (Massachusetts driver's license with Boston address, voter registration, utility bills), proof of property ownership or lease authorization, and payment of the registration fee. Annual renewal requires re-verification of primary residency. The registration number must appear in all listing platform postings.
What taxes apply to Boston short-term rental income?
Massachusetts imposes a state lodging excise tax (5.7%) plus a local option tax (up to 6% for Boston) and a community impact fee (3%) on short-term rentals, for a combined rate that can reach approximately 15%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Massachusetts state and most local taxes on behalf of hosts as marketplace facilitators. Operators should verify their platform's tax remittance coverage and retain documentation.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction