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Short-Term Rentals in Worcester, MA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Permit Requirements

Worcester regulates short-term rentals under Massachusetts state law (Chapter 64G) and local ordinances. Operators must register with the city and the state. All STR units must meet building and fire safety codes.

Worcester Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Noise Rules

STR guests in Worcester must comply with the city's noise ordinance including quiet hours (10 PM weekdays, 11 PM weekends). Operators are responsible for informing guests of local noise rules.

Worcester Short-Term Rental Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Taxes & Fees

Worcester STR operators must collect the Massachusetts room excise tax of 5.7%, plus a local option tax up to 6%, and a community impact fee up to 3% on professionally managed units. Total tax can reach 14.7%.

Worcester Short-Term Rental Taxes & Fees

Heavy Restrictions

Parking Rules

STR properties in Worcester must comply with standard residential parking requirements. Street parking follows city rules including winter parking bans. Off-street parking availability may be considered in STR registration.

Worcester Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Some Restrictions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40A, § 3 – Subjects which zoning may not regulate

accessory dwelling unit, or the rental thereof, in a single-family residential zoning district; provided, that the use of land or structures for such accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph may be subject to reasonable regulations, including, but not limited to, 310 CMR 15.000 et seq., if applicable, site plan review, regulations concerning dimensional setbacks and the bulk and height of s...

Occupancy Limits

Worcester does not have a city-specific STR occupancy cap. Massachusetts state law (MGL c.64G) treats short-term rentals as accommodations rented for 31 days or less. The Worcester Zoning Ordinance regulates Bed and Breakfast Establishments separately, capping them at six guestrooms with a maximum of two guests per room.

short-term-rentals/occupancy-limits

Few Restrictions

Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts state law (MGL c.175 Sec. 4F) requires every short-term rental operator in Worcester to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering each rental, unless the hosting platform provides equal or greater coverage. Hosts must also notify their homeowners or renters insurer of the STR use.

short-term-rentals/insurance-requirements

Heavy Restrictions

MGL Part I, Title XXII, Chapter 175, Section 4F

Section 4F: Liability insurance and notice requirements for operators of short-term rentals and hosting platforms Section 4F. (a) As used in this section, the terms ''hosting platform'', ''operator'' and ''short-term rental'' shall have the same meanings as under section 1 of chapter 64G unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (b) An operator shall maintain liability insurance of not les...

Looking for Worcester County county-wide rules?

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

Short-Term Rentals in Worcester County