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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in West Tisbury, MA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Owners may only register one property as an STR and must reside there (or have immediate family reside there) for at least 30 days per year. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required, and the property must maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Maximum occupancy and vehicle limits are determined by town inspection.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register with the MA Department of Revenue and obtain a certificate. 2) Submit the Town STR registration form with the state certificate, proof of $1M liability insurance, and a $400 fee at least 30 days before renting. 3) Pass a town inspection (Building, Health, Fire) and renew every two years.

Official Resources

Official West Tisbury STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in West Tisbury, MA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in West Tisbury, MA, but with restrictions. Owners may only register one property as an STR and must reside there (or have immediate family reside there) for at least 30 days per year. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required, and the property must maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Maximum occupancy and vehicle limits are determined by town inspection. 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 West Tisbury, MA?
Owners may only register one property as an STR and must reside there (or have immediate family reside there) for at least 30 days per year. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required, and the property must maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Maximum occupancy and vehicle limits are determined by town inspection.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in West Tisbury?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in West Tisbury. 1) Register with the MA Department of Revenue and obtain a certificate. 2) Submit the Town STR registration form with the state certificate, proof of $1M liability insurance, and a $400 fee at least 30 days before renting. 3) Pass a town inspection (Building, Health, Fire) and renew every two years.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in West Tisbury?
1) Register with the MA Department of Revenue and obtain a certificate. 2) Submit the Town STR registration form with the state certificate, proof of $1M liability insurance, and a $400 fee at least 30 days before renting. 3) Pass a town inspection (Building, Health, Fire) and renew every two years.
Is Vrbo legal in West Tisbury, MA?
Vrbo is permitted in West Tisbury, 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 West Tisbury?
Short-term rental hosts in West Tisbury 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 West Tisbury?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for West Tisbury. 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