Short-Term Rentals in Fall River, MA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Fall River, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Fall River has been in the process of formalizing local short-term rental regulations. The City Council gave initial approval to an ordinance legalizing residential STRs with registration requirements. All MA hosts must register with the Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect regardless of local rules.
Fall River Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNoise Rules
Short-term rental guests in Fall River must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM Sundays apply to all properties including STRs. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance.
Fall River STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Massachusetts imposes a 5.7% state room occupancy excise tax on short-term rentals under MGL Ch. 64G. Municipalities may add a local option tax up to 6% plus a community impact fee up to 3%. Fall River STR operators must register with MassTaxConnect and remit all applicable taxes.
Fall River STR Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Short-term rental properties in Fall River must comply with the city's general parking regulations. The proposed STR ordinance requires compliance with local zoning, which includes off-street parking requirements under Ch. 86 of the zoning code.
Fall River STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 40A, Sec. 3 (Parking Space Requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units)
The use of land or structures for an accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph shall not require owner occupancy of either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal dwelling; provided, that not more than 1 additional parking space shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit; and provided further, that no additional parking space shall be required for an accessory dwelling located not...
Occupancy Limits
Fall River adopted Ordinance No. 2025-07 (codified in Chapter 86 of the City Code via eCode360) to regulate short-term rentals. The local rule caps each STR at a maximum of eight (8) guests, or two (2) guests per bedroom, whichever is less, and prohibits renting separate bedrooms to different parties. State sleeping-room minimums under 105 CMR 410 also apply.
STR Occupancy Limits in Fall River
Heavy RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Fall River STR operators must carry property liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. The figure mirrors the statewide mandate in MGL c.175, §4F (added by Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018), which requires every short-term rental operator to maintain $1M in liability coverage per stay unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage. Proof of insurance must be submitted to Fall River Inspectional Services as part of registration.
STR Insurance Requirements in Fall River
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fall River city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Bristol County →