Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Chestnut Hill, MA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Chestnut Hill, MA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally restricted to primary residences (occupied 9 of 12 months). Occupancy is limited by municipality: Newton allows up to 3 bedrooms/9 guests; Boston limits vary by unit type (e.g., 5 bedrooms/10 guests for Home Share); Brookline requires compliance with specific zoning by-laws. Operators must typically display registration numbers on all listings and maintain a local contact. 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.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally restricted to primary residences (occupied 9 of 12 months). Occupancy is limited by municipality: Newton allows up to 3 bedrooms/9 guests; Boston limits vary by unit type (e.g., 5 bedrooms/10 guests for Home Share); Brookline requires compliance with specific zoning by-laws. Operators must typically display registration numbers on all listings and maintain a local contact.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Chestnut Hill. 1. Register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (State level) first. 2. Apply for a local permit through the respective municipal Inspectional Services Department (ISD), providing proof of primary residence (e.g., utility bills, voter registration). 3. Schedule and pass a fire/safety inspection. 4. Pay the annual fee (ranging from $25 to $200 depending on unit type) and renew the license annually.

1. Register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (State level) first. 2. Apply for a local permit through the respective municipal Inspectional Services Department (ISD), providing proof of primary residence (e.g., utility bills, voter registration). 3. Schedule and pass a fire/safety inspection. 4. Pay the annual fee (ranging from $25 to $200 depending on unit type) and renew the license annually.

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