Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cambridge, MA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Cambridge, MA, but with restrictions. Only operator-occupied (primary residence) and owner-adjacent (operator owns building of 4 or fewer units and lives in one) STRs are permitted. Operator-occupied units may rent up to three bedrooms and the operator must occupy the unit during rentals (limitations apply for absences >7 days). Units with affordable housing restrictions are ineligible, and operators must maintain liability insurance and records for three years. 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.

Only operator-occupied (primary residence) and owner-adjacent (operator owns building of 4 or fewer units and lives in one) STRs are permitted. Operator-occupied units may rent up to three bedrooms and the operator must occupy the unit during rentals (limitations apply for absences >7 days). Units with affordable housing restrictions are ineligible, and operators must maintain liability insurance and records for three years.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cambridge. 1) Submit an online application via the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) portal with proof of primary residence, floor plans, and proof of liability insurance. 2) Pay the $500 registration fee (or opt for a $100/year payment plan) and schedule a mandatory safety inspection. 3) Upon passing the inspection, receive a Certificate of Registration valid for five years.

1) Submit an online application via the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) portal with proof of primary residence, floor plans, and proof of liability insurance. 2) Pay the $500 registration fee (or opt for a $100/year payment plan) and schedule a mandatory safety inspection. 3) Upon passing the inspection, receive a Certificate of Registration valid for five years.

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