Permit Requirements: Boston vs Chelsea
How do permit requirements rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston requires STR registration through Inspectional Services with a $200 annual fee. Only owner-occupied properties qualify, and operators must reside in the unit at least 9 months per year.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
Chelsea regulates short-term rentals through local ordinance and state registration requirements. All MA STR operators must register with the Department of Revenue and obtain a Certificate of Registration.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $200 registration + $65 cert | - |
| Eligibility | Owner-occupied only | - |
| Residence Req | 9 months/year minimum | - |
| Fine | $300/day unregistered | - |
| State Registration | - | $50 via DOR |
| State Tax | - | 5.7% room occupancy |
| Insurance | - | $1M liability required |
| Habitability | - | CoH inspection needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Boston?
Boston requires STR registration through Inspectional Services with a $200 annual fee. Only owner-occupied properties qualify, and operators must reside in the unit at least 9 months per year.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Boston?
Annual Fee: $200 registration + $65 cert. Eligibility: Owner-occupied only. Residence Req: 9 months/year minimum. Fine: $300/day unregistered.
Chelsea FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Chelsea?
Chelsea regulates short-term rentals through local ordinance and state registration requirements. All MA STR operators must register with the Department of Revenue and obtain a Certificate of Registration.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Chelsea?
State Registration: $50 via DOR. State Tax: 5.7% room occupancy. Insurance: $1M liability required. Habitability: CoH inspection needed.
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