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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Framingham, MA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are governed under rental unit certification and lodging-house licensing rules; units generally require a Board of Health Rental Unit Inspection Certificate before a new tenancy, while lodging houses (inns, B&Bs) require specific licensing and meet minimum standards. Exemptions apply for owner-occupied premises with two or fewer units and hotels/motels.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Rental Unit Certification application to the Board of Health with a $75 fee. 2) For lodging houses (4+ lodgers or B&Bs), apply via the City Licensing Office online portal. 3) Pass a health and safety inspection to receive the certificate or license.

Official Resources

Official Framingham STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Framingham, MA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Framingham, MA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are governed under rental unit certification and lodging-house licensing rules; units generally require a Board of Health Rental Unit Inspection Certificate before a new tenancy, while lodging houses (inns, B&Bs) require specific licensing and meet minimum standards. Exemptions apply for owner-occupied premises with two or fewer units and hotels/motels. 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 Framingham, MA?
Short-term rentals are governed under rental unit certification and lodging-house licensing rules; units generally require a Board of Health Rental Unit Inspection Certificate before a new tenancy, while lodging houses (inns, B&Bs) require specific licensing and meet minimum standards. Exemptions apply for owner-occupied premises with two or fewer units and hotels/motels.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Framingham?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Framingham. 1) Submit a Rental Unit Certification application to the Board of Health with a $75 fee. 2) For lodging houses (4+ lodgers or B&Bs), apply via the City Licensing Office online portal. 3) Pass a health and safety inspection to receive the certificate or license.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Framingham?
1) Submit a Rental Unit Certification application to the Board of Health with a $75 fee. 2) For lodging houses (4+ lodgers or B&Bs), apply via the City Licensing Office online portal. 3) Pass a health and safety inspection to receive the certificate or license.
Is Vrbo legal in Framingham, MA?
Vrbo is permitted in Framingham, 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 Framingham?
Short-term rental hosts in Framingham 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 Framingham?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Framingham. 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