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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Nantucket, MA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests. Operators must maintain $1M in liability insurance (unless covered by a platform), designate a local contact reachable within two hours, and include their certificate number in all advertising. Short-term rentals are prohibited in corporate-owned units and income-restricted/affordable housing.

How to Obtain a Permit

Submit an application via the GovOS portal (nantucket-ma.munirevs.com) including ownership details, MA DOR certificate, and proof of $1M liability insurance. Pay the $250 annual fee per unit. Renewals must be submitted annually between September 1 and October 31.

Regulatory Updates — Nantucket

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Excise Tax Fully Enforced

Massachusetts requires all STR operators to collect and remit the state excise tax plus applicable local option taxes. Nantucket has ramped up audit activity to ensure compliance from all island operators.

Under ReviewApril 2025

Town Meeting Considers STR Density Caps

Nantucket Town Meeting debated warrant articles that would cap STR density by district or parcel type, citing housing affordability impacts on year-round residents and seasonal workers.

PassedJuly 2024

Occupancy Enforcement Stepped Up After Complaints

Nantucket's building and zoning department increased inspections of STR properties after complaints about overcrowded rentals exceeding the two-per-bedroom-plus-two occupancy limit.

Official Resources

Official Nantucket STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory advocacy and model ordinance resources for vacation rental professionals in Massachusetts markets.

Massachusetts Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring short-term rental legislation and advocating for property owner rights across Massachusetts communities including Nantucket.

Nantucket Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Nantucket's tourism and hospitality economy, monitoring STR regulation for its impact on the island's visitor accommodation capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Nantucket, MA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Nantucket, MA, but with restrictions. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests. Operators must maintain $1M in liability insurance (unless covered by a platform), designate a local contact reachable within two hours, and include their certificate number in all advertising. Short-term rentals are prohibited in corporate-owned units and income-restricted/affordable housing. 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 Nantucket, MA?
Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests. Operators must maintain $1M in liability insurance (unless covered by a platform), designate a local contact reachable within two hours, and include their certificate number in all advertising. Short-term rentals are prohibited in corporate-owned units and income-restricted/affordable housing.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Nantucket?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Nantucket. Submit an application via the GovOS portal (nantucket-ma.munirevs.com) including ownership details, MA DOR certificate, and proof of $1M liability insurance. Pay the $250 annual fee per unit. Renewals must be submitted annually between September 1 and October 31.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Nantucket?
Submit an application via the GovOS portal (nantucket-ma.munirevs.com) including ownership details, MA DOR certificate, and proof of $1M liability insurance. Pay the $250 annual fee per unit. Renewals must be submitted annually between September 1 and October 31.
Is Vrbo legal in Nantucket, MA?
Vrbo is permitted in Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?
Short-term rental hosts in Nantucket 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 Nantucket?
The most recent tracked change in Nantucket is "Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Excise Tax Fully Enforced" (2024-10-01, status: passed). Massachusetts requires all STR operators to collect and remit the state excise tax plus applicable local option taxes. Nantucket has ramped up audit activity to ensure compliance from all island operators. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Do I need to collect taxes on my Nantucket STR?
Yes. Massachusetts requires STR operators to collect the state excise tax (5.7%) plus applicable local option taxes. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect these automatically, but direct bookings require manual remittance. Nantucket is actively auditing compliance.
Could Nantucket ban STRs entirely?
Yes. Massachusetts has no statewide preemption law, so Nantucket could restrict or ban STRs through a Town Meeting vote. Community pressure to limit STR density has been growing, and density cap proposals have already reached the warrant stage.
What is the occupancy limit for Nantucket rentals?
Nantucket limits occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests. This is actively enforced through inspections and neighbor complaints, with fines for violations.
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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