Short-Term Rental Regulations — Massachusetts
Hosts in Boston must obtain a permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The permit fee is $200, renewable Annual. Boston restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties only, meaning you must live in the home you are renting out. There is no annual day cap on rentals in Boston. An occupancy tax of 14.95% applies to all short-term rental income. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically.
Day Limit Notes
Must be classified as the operator's primary residence. Limited shares and private rooms allowed.
⚠ Tax Notes
Combined State and Local Room Occupancy Excise Tax.
⚠ Prohibited Zones
Investor-owned (non-primary residence) properties are prohibited.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Boston?
Yes. Boston requires a permit to operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $200 and must be renewed Annual. You must obtain this permit before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms.
What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Boston?
Short-term rentals in Boston are subject to a 14.95% occupancy tax. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts — you do not need to handle it separately. Combined State and Local Room Occupancy Excise Tax.
Can I rent out a property I don't live in as an Airbnb in Boston?
No. Boston restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties. You must live in the home as your primary residence to list it as a short-term rental. Investment properties or second homes cannot be listed as STRs.
How many days per year can I rent my property in Boston?
Boston does not impose an annual day cap on short-term rentals. You can rent your property for as many days as you choose, subject to other local regulations. Must be classified as the operator's primary residence. Limited shares and private rooms allowed.
Does Airbnb collect occupancy taxes in Boston?
Yes. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit the 14.95% occupancy tax in Boston on behalf of hosts. You do not need to separately collect or remit this tax — it is handled at the platform level.
Are there any prohibited zones for short-term rentals in Boston?
Yes. Boston prohibits short-term rentals in certain areas: Investor-owned (non-primary residence) properties are prohibited.. Always verify your property's zoning status with the local planning department before listing.
Do I need to register my short-term rental in Boston?
Yes. Boston requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city. This is separate from any permit requirement and typically involves providing property information and contact details to the local authority.
Official Source
Boston City Government
Last verified: 2026-03-23 · Always confirm with your local government before listing.