Short-Term Rentals in Quincy, MA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Quincy or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Quincy has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Quincy's short-term rental ordinance, codified at Quincy Code § 196-14 (adopted March 2021), regulates registration and unit type but does not impose a numeric per-bedroom occupancy formula. Operators are bound by the maximum occupancy declared on their Massachusetts Department of Revenue STR Registry application under MGL c.64G, the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410), and 780 CMR sleeping-room standards.

Key details: Local STR Code: Quincy Code § 196-14. Occupancy Cap: None local; per DOR registration. State Registry: MGL c.64G + c.62C §67. Sanitary Code: 105 CMR 410. Sleeping Room Min: 70 sf first + 50 sf each addl.

Exceeding the maximum occupancy declared on the DOR STR registration, or violating 105 CMR 410 sleeping-room standards, can result in DOR registration revocation, City of Quincy housing-code citations, and orders to vacate from the Department of Inspectional Services. Operating an unregistered STR is subject to MGL c.62C, §67 penalties and platform delisting under MGL c.64G, §13. Where four or more unrelated lodgers occupy the unit without a lodging-house license, additional MGL c.140 penalties apply. Quincy zoning violations under § 196-14 (including operation in Residence A districts) are enforced by the Department of Inspectional Services.

Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts state law preempts STR insurance. MGL c.175, §4F (added by Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018) requires every short-term rental operator in Quincy to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per stay, unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage. Quincy Code § 196-14 references the STR registration framework but does not impose a separate local insurance requirement above the state floor.

Key details: Statute: MGL c.175 §4F. Enabling Act: Acts of 2018 c.337. Minimum Coverage: $1,000,000 per stay. Platform Carve-Out: Equal/greater platform coverage OK. Local Add-On: None in Quincy § 196-14.

Operating a short-term rental in Quincy without the $1,000,000 liability coverage required by MGL c.175, §4F is a violation of the Massachusetts STR law. The Department of Revenue may revoke or refuse to issue the STR Certificate of Registration under MGL c.64G, §6, and platforms are required by MGL c.64G, §13 to delist non-compliant operators. Civil exposure for an uninsured incident at the rental falls personally on the operator. Quincy may also pursue local zoning enforcement under § 196-14 if registration conditions are not maintained.

This is one of the stricter rules in Quincy's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Noise Rules

Short-term rental guests in Quincy are subject to the same noise limits as residents under Chapter 215. No separate STR-specific quiet hours exist; the city's 75/65 dBA residential limits and $100/day fines apply to all properties.

Key details: Noise Code: Ch. 215 applies to all occupants. Daytime Limit: 75 dBA. Evening Limit: 65 dBA after 5 PM. Fine: $100/day.

$100/day under Chapter 215 noise ordinance.

Parking Rules

STR guests in Quincy must comply with the city's general parking ordinances. Overnight on-street parking requires a resident parking permit issued by the Quincy Police Department. Commercial vehicles and trailers may not park on public ways.

Key details: Overnight Limit: 2-hour max, 1 AM–7 AM without permit. Resident Permit Cost: $20/year. Commercial Vehicles: Prohibited on public streets. Enforcement: Traffic and Parking: (617) 376-1478.

Parking violations subject to ticketing and towing under general traffic ordinances.

Permit Requirements

Quincy passed a zoning ordinance in March 2021 (§ 196-14) requiring annual registration for STRs of fewer than 31 days. Registration is managed by the Department of Inspectional Services. STRs are prohibited in Residence A zoning districts.

Key details: Code Section: Quincy Code § 196-14. Registration Body: Dept. of Inspectional Services. Renewal: Annual. Prohibited Zone: Residence A districts. Fire Safety Certificate: Required before operating.

Failure to register can result in legal action and fines. Operating an STR in a prohibited Residence A district may be treated as a zoning violation.

Compared to other cities, Quincy takes a harder line on permit requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators in Quincy must collect and remit Massachusetts state room occupancy excise (5.7%) plus any applicable local option tax. State registration with the MA Department of Revenue is required. Operators must carry $1 million liability insurance.

Key details: State Tax: 5.7% room occupancy excise (MGL c. 64G). Local Option: Up to 6% additional. Insurance Required: $1M liability per occurrence. DOR Registration: Required before operating.

Failure to register with DOR or remit taxes subjects operators to state tax penalties and interest.

The Bottom Line

Quincy is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Quincy, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Quincy's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.