Short-Term Rentals in New Bedford, MA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for New Bedford, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
New Bedford requires short-term rental operators to register their property with the city and obtain a rental permit with yearly renewal through a zoning permit. Hosts must provide proof of residency, insurance, a business certificate, and neighbor notification. A property maintenance plan is also required.
New Bedford Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNoise Rules
STR guests in New Bedford must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Excessive noise that disturbs any considerable number of persons or a neighborhood is prohibited. Hosts are responsible for including noise rules in their property maintenance plan and providing a local contact for complaints.
New Bedford STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
New Bedford STR operators must pay a 5.7% state room occupancy excise tax under MGL Ch. 64G, plus applicable local option taxes up to 6% and a community impact fee up to 3%. All operators must register with MassTaxConnect. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit taxes on behalf of hosts.
New Bedford STR Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
New Bedford's STR ordinance requires property maintenance plans to include parking information for guests. Street parking during snow emergencies is restricted. Off-street parking availability must be disclosed in the STR registration.
New Bedford STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
New Bedford regulates short-term rentals through Chapter 9 (Comprehensive Zoning), Section 3400 of the Code of Ordinances. The local ordinance caps overnight occupancy at no more than nine guests at any one time and limits a host to renting no more than three bedrooms. Operators are also bound by the Massachusetts STR registry under MGL c.64G and the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410).
STR Occupancy Limits in New Bedford
Some RestrictionsInsurance 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 New Bedford to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per stay, unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage. New Bedford's Section 3400 STR ordinance separately requires hosts to demonstrate adequate insurance as part of the local registration package.
STR Insurance Requirements in New Bedford
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement New Bedford city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Bristol County →