Short-Term Rentals in Lowell, MA (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Lowell, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Lowell's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 290) contains no 'short-term rental' use category. Transient, paid lodging falls under 'Boarding or Lodging House' or 'Tourist home/Bed & Breakfast Inn,' which require a special permit in most districts; whole-home Airbnb-style rentals have no by-right zoning path and the city has treated them as not clearly permitted.
No STR Use in Zoning; Special Permit for Lodging Uses
Heavy RestrictionsLowell Zoning Ordinance (Code of the City of Lowell, Ch. 290), Sec. 4.3.5 (Special Rules)
Special Rules. 1. In all districts, the renting of rooms or the furnishing of table board by a resident owner to not more than two (2) non-transient roomers or boarders shall be considered as an accessory use provided no separate cooking facilities are maintained, and no sign or nameplate is displayed.
Noise Rules
Lowell STR guests must comply with the city noise ordinance prohibiting unreasonable noise at all times and plainly audible noise during overnight quiet hours.
Short-Term Rental Noise Rules in Lowell
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Lowell STRs are subject to the Massachusetts 5.7% state room occupancy excise plus a local option tax up to 6%, a 2.75% Cape and Islands fund exemption, and a $0-$2 community impact fee where applicable.
Short-Term Rental Taxes and Fees in Lowell
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Lowell STR guests must comply with on-site parking minimums under the zoning ordinance and all on-street parking regulations including overnight winter bans during snow emergencies.
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules in Lowell
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 40A, § 3 (Zoning Exemptions)
such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements. Lands or structures used, or to be used by a public service corporation may be exempted in particular respects from the operation of a zoning ordinance or by-law if, upon petition of ...
Occupancy Limits
Lowell's Zoning Ordinance caps accessory room rental by a resident owner at two non-transient roomers or boarders. A dwelling where lodgings are let to four or more unrelated persons becomes a 'Boarding or Lodging House,' triggering a special permit and a c. 140 license. No separate STR per-night guest cap exists in the city code.
Two Non-Transient Roomers; 4+ Lodgers = Lodging House
Some RestrictionsLowell Zoning Ordinance (Code of the City of Lowell, Ch. 290), Definitions - Boarding or Lodging House
BOARDING OR LODGING HOUSE: a house where lodgings are let to four or more persons not within second degree of kindred to the person conducting it, and shall include fraternity houses and dormitories of educational institutions, but shall not include dormitories of charitable or philanthropic institutions or convalescent or nursing homes licensed under G.L. c. 111, s. 71 or rest homes so license...
Insurance Requirements
Massachusetts law (G.L. c. 175, Sec. 4F) requires every short-term rental operator to maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 covering each short-term rental, unless the rental is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage.
$1,000,000 Liability Insurance Required by State Law
Heavy RestrictionsG.L. c. 175, Sec. 4F(b) (Short-Term Rental Liability Insurance)
An operator shall maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 to cover each short-term rental, unless such short-term rental is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage.
Night Caps
Massachusetts does not impose a statewide cap on STR nights, but Lowell may limit non-owner-occupied rentals through zoning, and the state law defines STRs as stays of 31 nights or less.
Short-Term Rental Night Caps in Lowell
Few RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Lowell STR operators must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue through MassTaxConnect and include the state registration number in all advertising.
Short-Term Rental Registration Rules in Lowell
Some RestrictionsLooking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lowell city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Middlesex County →