Night Caps: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do night caps rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
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 →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville does not impose a fixed annual night cap on owner-occupied STRs, but non-owner-occupied STRs face significant restrictions that effectively limit commercial STR activity.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Annual Cap | - | No fixed night cap |
| Key Limit | - | Owner-occupancy required |
| Non-Owner STR | - | Heavily restricted |
| Condo Rules | - | May ban independently |
| Contact | - | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 |
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.
Somerville FAQ
Can I rent my Somerville home year-round on Airbnb?
Only if it remains your primary residence. Moving out and renting the whole unit year-round converts it to non-owner-occupied and is prohibited in most zones.
Will Somerville add a night cap later?
Possibly. The city periodically reviews STR rules. Check the ordinance on eCode360 and monitor City Council agendas for amendments.
Compare other topics
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