Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Boston vs Chelsea
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston Ordinance 12-9.1 (2018, revised 2019) restricts short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. Investor-owned, non-owner-occupied units cannot legally operate as STRs anywhere in Boston regardless of zoning.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
No data available yet for Chelsea.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Citation | Boston Code Ch. 9 §9-14 | - |
| Effective | January 2019 | - |
| Enforcing agency | ISD | - |
| Investor units | Categorically prohibited | - |
| Min stay threshold | Under 28 days | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Can I rent my second home on Airbnb in Boston?
No. Boston requires the unit be your primary residence. Vacation homes, investor-owned units, and second homes cannot register as short-term rentals.
What proves primary residency?
Voter registration, MA driver's license, utility bills, and tax filings showing the Boston address. ISD reviews documentation during the registration application.
Chelsea FAQ
No FAQs available.
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