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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Oak Bluffs, MA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as stays with changes in occupancy of 31 days or less and ADUs are explicitly prohibited from being used as STRs; the town’s draft bylaw adds residency/single-property and 30-day occupancy restrictions for new owners (with limited grandfathering/exemptions for pre-existing operators). STRs are to be registered with the Town and must also be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the Town STR registration form and submit it before offering the property for rent; include the Commonwealth DOR STR registration certificate. 2) Pay the non-refundable town registration fee set in the draft (draft shows $850), submit at least 30 days before the rental period, and renew annually; the town registration is non-transferable and a new registration is required on change of owner.

Official Resources

Official Oak Bluffs STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Oak Bluffs, MA?
Short-term rentals are defined as stays with changes in occupancy of 31 days or less and ADUs are explicitly prohibited from being used as STRs; the town’s draft bylaw adds residency/single-property and 30-day occupancy restrictions for new owners (with limited grandfathering/exemptions for pre-existing operators). STRs are to be registered with the Town and must also be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Oak Bluffs?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Oak Bluffs. 1) Complete the Town STR registration form and submit it before offering the property for rent; include the Commonwealth DOR STR registration certificate. 2) Pay the non-refundable town registration fee set in the draft (draft shows $850), submit at least 30 days before the rental period, and renew annually; the town registration is non-transferable and a new registration is required on change of owner.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Oak Bluffs?
1) Complete the Town STR registration form and submit it before offering the property for rent; include the Commonwealth DOR STR registration certificate. 2) Pay the non-refundable town registration fee set in the draft (draft shows $850), submit at least 30 days before the rental period, and renew annually; the town registration is non-transferable and a new registration is required on change of owner.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction