Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Brookline, MA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Brookline, MA, but with restrictions. STRs are only permitted in the operator's primary residence (minimum 183 days/year). Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom with a maximum of 8 guests total. Rentals are capped at 90 days per calendar year (up to 180 with Select Board approval), and stays must be at least 24 consecutive hours. 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.

STRs are only permitted in the operator's primary residence (minimum 183 days/year). Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom with a maximum of 8 guests total. Rentals are capped at 90 days per calendar year (up to 180 with Select Board approval), and stays must be at least 24 consecutive hours.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Brookline. 1. Register an account on the Town’s online permit portal (Accela) and submit an application including proof of primary residence (tax exemption or affidavit), floor plans, and local contact info. 2. Schedule and pass health and safety inspections conducted by the Health, Building, and Fire Departments. 3. Receive the Certificate of Registration from the Select Board’s Office and post it within the unit and in all advertisements.

1. Register an account on the Town’s online permit portal (Accela) and submit an application including proof of primary residence (tax exemption or affidavit), floor plans, and local contact info. 2. Schedule and pass health and safety inspections conducted by the Health, Building, and Fire Departments. 3. Receive the Certificate of Registration from the Select Board’s Office and post it within the unit and in all advertisements.

Vrbo is permitted in Brookline, 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 Brookline 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 Brookline. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.