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Short-Term Rentals in Waltham, MA (2026)

8 verified short-term rentals rules for Waltham, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Permit Requirements

Waltham requires hosts to register under Massachusetts Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018, with state registration plus any local operator registration before listing on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Waltham Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Noise Rules

Short-term rental guests in Waltham must comply with the city noise ordinance, with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM and host responsibility for guest conduct violations.

Waltham STR Noise Standards

Some Restrictions

Taxes & Fees

Waltham short-term rentals are subject to the 5.7 percent Massachusetts state room occupancy excise plus the 6 percent local option under MGL c.64G, totaling 11.7 percent per booking.

Waltham STR Taxes and Fees

Heavy Restrictions

Parking Rules

Waltham requires off-street parking for short-term rentals consistent with residential zoning, typically two spaces per dwelling unit, with no overflow onto streets during winter parking bans.

Waltham STR Parking Requirements

Some Restrictions

Occupancy Limits

Waltham short-term rentals must follow Massachusetts building code occupancy standards, typically two persons per bedroom plus two, with no more than the certificate of occupancy allows.

Waltham STR Occupancy Limits

Some Restrictions

Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts law mandates short-term rental operators carry at least $1 million in liability insurance, with Waltham hosts required to show proof of coverage during registration.

Waltham STR Insurance Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Night Caps

Waltham has not adopted a specific annual night cap on short-term rentals, but zoning limits may restrict non-owner-occupied STRs depending on district and primary residence status.

Waltham STR Night Cap Rules

Some Restrictions

Registration Rules

Waltham short-term rental operators must register with the Massachusetts DOR under Chapter 337 and may need local registration with Inspectional Services before listing.

Waltham STR Registration Process

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waltham city rules.

Short-Term Rentals in Middlesex County