Night Caps: Cambridge vs Lowell
How do night caps rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Lowell, MA?
Lowell has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge does not impose a specific annual night cap but restricts non-owner-occupied operations entirely and requires the owner to maintain primary residence at least 9 months per year.
View full Cambridge rules →Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts does not impose a statewide cap on STR nights, but Lowell may limit non-owner-occupied rentals through zoning, and the state law defines STRs as stays of 31 nights or less.
View full Lowell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Night Cap | None specific | - |
| Primary Residence | 9 months per year | - |
| Non-Owner-Occupied | Prohibited | - |
| Owner-Occupied 2-3 Family | Additional units allowed | - |
| Revocation Trigger | Loss of primary residency | - |
| State night cap | - | None |
| STR definition | - | 31 days or less |
| Local caps | - | Possible via ZBA conditions |
| Owner-occupied preference | - | Common in MA cities |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Is there a 90-night limit?
No, Cambridge does not cap nights but requires 9 months of owner occupancy annually.
Can I rent year-round?
Only if you maintain primary residence; investor-only STRs are not permitted in Cambridge.
Lowell FAQ
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent in Lowell?
No citywide cap currently, but zoning and ZBA conditions may limit non-owner-occupied rentals.
When is a rental no longer an STR?
Stays of 32 or more consecutive days are not subject to MA STR registration or room excise.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Lowell compare on other ordinance categories.
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