Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Provincetown, MA

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Provincetown, MA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals of 31 consecutive days or less. Owners must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance, notify their insurer, and pay a total occupancy tax of 14.45% (or 17.45% for 'professionally-managed' units owning multiple properties). Units must also meet specific fire safety standards, including a 5 lb ABC rechargeable fire extinguisher. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals of 31 consecutive days or less. Owners must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance, notify their insurer, and pay a total occupancy tax of 14.45% (or 17.45% for 'professionally-managed' units owning multiple properties). Units must also meet specific fire safety standards, including a 5 lb ABC rechargeable fire extinguisher.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Provincetown. 1. Register the unit through the Town’s online permitting portal or at the Community Development Office. 2. Submit a completed 'Application for Certificate to Rent' along with a $750 fee per unit (valid for one year). 3. Schedule a safety inspection within 30 days of application; primary residences require inspection every 5 years, while non-primary residences require annual inspections.

1. Register the unit through the Town’s online permitting portal or at the Community Development Office. 2. Submit a completed 'Application for Certificate to Rent' along with a $750 fee per unit (valid for one year). 3. Schedule a safety inspection within 30 days of application; primary residences require inspection every 5 years, while non-primary residences require annual inspections.

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Provincetown, MA, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Provincetown 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Provincetown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.