Massachusetts (MA) Short-Term Rental Regulations
Compare STR rules across 1 Massachusetts city. License fees, tax rates, and operating rules. Verified May 2026.
At a Glance
Regulatory Climate and Primary Residence fields derived from city-level archetype data. Preemption status verified against Massachusetts Ch.337 Acts of 2018 (malegislature.gov).
📊 By the Numbers
- 1 city covered in Massachusetts
- License fee range: $25-$25
- Combined lodging tax: Boston: 6.5% state + 6% convention center = 12.5%
Source: City-level data from official municipal sources, cross-verified May 2026.
Regulatory Overview
Massachusetts passed comprehensive state-level STR legislation in December 2018 (Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018), creating a statewide registration system, a 5.7% room occupancy excise tax on all STRs, and a local option for cities and towns to add up to 6% more. Boston operates a three-tier registration system at $25-200/year depending on unit type, with no primary residence requirement. Combined lodging tax in Boston reaches 12.5% (6.5% state + 6% Convention Center surcharge). Year-round demand from 50+ colleges and strong business/medical tourism makes Boston a low-barrier, high-demand STR market : one of the most accessible Northeast markets for both owner-occupants and investors. The main constraint: Boston limits investors to one non-owner-occupied unit per person. Cape Cod and the Berkshires also have active STR markets, though not yet covered by RentPermitted.
City Comparison : 1 City
All Massachusetts cities covered by RentPermitted, ranked and compared:
| City | Status | License Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | Registration Required | $25-$200/year depending on unit type |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cities in Massachusetts does RentPermitted cover?
We cover 1 city in Massachusetts: Boston.
Does Massachusetts have state-wide STR laws?
Yes. Massachusetts passed comprehensive STR legislation in December 2018 (Chapter 337), creating a statewide registration requirement and 5.7% room occupancy excise tax. Cities and towns can add up to 6% more in local taxes. Boston has additional city-level registration rules.
Which Massachusetts city is best for STR investment?
Boston is the only city we currently cover in Massachusetts. Boston is a low-barrier STR market with year-round demand from 50+ colleges and strong business/medical tourism. The $25/year registration is the cheapest in the country. Investor unit limits exist bu
Similar States
States with a comparable mixed regulatory profile:
Disclaimer: Data sourced from official Massachusetts city websites and state statutes. Regulations change. Verify with local authorities before making investment decisions. Last comprehensive review: May 2026.
RentPermitted is not a government agency. We compile public information for educational purposes.