Occupancy Limits: Burlington vs Waltham
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Burlington, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Burlington.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Middlesex County STRs must comply with State Building Code 780 CMR occupancy standards and local bylaws, typically limiting occupancy to two people per bedroom plus two, with lodging-house rules for 4+ unrelated.
View full Burlington rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
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.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Typical formula | 2 per bedroom plus 2 | - |
| Sanitary code | 105 CMR 410 | - |
| Building code | 780 CMR | - |
| Lodging threshold | 4+ unrelated persons | - |
| Typical cap | 10 to 12 per unit | - |
| Standard | - | 2 per bedroom plus 2 |
| State Code | - | 105 CMR 410 |
| Egress | - | Required per bedroom |
| Basement Sleeping | - | Prohibited without egress |
| Enforcement | - | Health Dept and ISD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
How many guests can stay in a Middlesex County STR?
Most towns use a formula of 2 per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10 to 12 total. Sanitary code requires 70 sq ft for the first occupant and 50 sq ft per additional.
What triggers lodging house rules?
Renting to four or more unrelated persons under MGL c.140 s.22 may require a lodging house license, which has far more stringent safety and zoning requirements than a standard STR.
Waltham FAQ
How many guests can stay in my 3-bedroom Waltham STR?
The standard formula allows up to 8 persons (2 per bedroom plus 2), subject to bedroom size minimums.
Can guests sleep in the basement?
Only if the room has legal egress windows and meets state sanitary code requirements for habitable rooms.
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