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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Dukes County, MA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (30 days or fewer) are generally allowed but subject to town-specific by-laws where they exist, such as in West Tisbury. State-level requirements include registration via MassTaxConnect, a $1,000,000 liability insurance mandate, and the collection of room occupancy excise taxes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register the property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect. 2. For towns with local ordinances (e.g., West Tisbury), submit a town-specific registration form and complete a safety inspection based on the town's checklist. 3. Ensure the property has the required $1M liability insurance coverage.

Official Resources

Official Dukes County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Dukes County, MA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Dukes County, MA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (30 days or fewer) are generally allowed but subject to town-specific by-laws where they exist, such as in West Tisbury. State-level requirements include registration via MassTaxConnect, a $1,000,000 liability insurance mandate, and the collection of room occupancy excise taxes. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Dukes County, MA?
Short-term rentals (30 days or fewer) are generally allowed but subject to town-specific by-laws where they exist, such as in West Tisbury. State-level requirements include registration via MassTaxConnect, a $1,000,000 liability insurance mandate, and the collection of room occupancy excise taxes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Dukes County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Dukes County. 1. Register the property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect. 2. For towns with local ordinances (e.g., West Tisbury), submit a town-specific registration form and complete a safety inspection based on the town's checklist. 3. Ensure the property has the required $1M liability insurance coverage.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Dukes County?
1. Register the property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect. 2. For towns with local ordinances (e.g., West Tisbury), submit a town-specific registration form and complete a safety inspection based on the town's checklist. 3. Ensure the property has the required $1M liability insurance coverage.
Is Vrbo legal in Dukes County, MA?
Vrbo is permitted in Dukes County, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Dukes County?
Short-term rental hosts in Dukes County 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Dukes County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Dukes County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction