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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Eastham, MA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Owners are limited to registering a maximum of two short-term rental units. Corporate ownership is prohibited unless all members of the LLC or trust are natural persons, and STRs are banned in affordable housing units. Operators must maintain $1 million in liability insurance and pay a total tax rate of 14.75%.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register the property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to obtain a State Registration Number. 2. Submit an online application via the Eastham OpenGov portal, including current water test results (if not on town water). 3. Schedule and pass a health and safety inspection, which is required initially and every three years thereafter.

Official Resources

Official Eastham STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Eastham, MA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Eastham, MA, but with restrictions. Owners are limited to registering a maximum of two short-term rental units. Corporate ownership is prohibited unless all members of the LLC or trust are natural persons, and STRs are banned in affordable housing units. Operators must maintain $1 million in liability insurance and pay a total tax rate of 14.75%. 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 Eastham, MA?
Owners are limited to registering a maximum of two short-term rental units. Corporate ownership is prohibited unless all members of the LLC or trust are natural persons, and STRs are banned in affordable housing units. Operators must maintain $1 million in liability insurance and pay a total tax rate of 14.75%.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Eastham?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Eastham. 1. Register the property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to obtain a State Registration Number. 2. Submit an online application via the Eastham OpenGov portal, including current water test results (if not on town water). 3. Schedule and pass a health and safety inspection, which is required initially and every three years thereafter.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Eastham?
1. Register the property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to obtain a State Registration Number. 2. Submit an online application via the Eastham OpenGov portal, including current water test results (if not on town water). 3. Schedule and pass a health and safety inspection, which is required initially and every three years thereafter.
Is Vrbo legal in Eastham, MA?
Vrbo is permitted in Eastham, 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 Eastham?
Short-term rental hosts in Eastham 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 Eastham?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Eastham. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction