Permit Requirements: Cambridge vs Waltham
How do permit requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Waltham, MA?
Cambridge and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge requires all short-term rentals to be owner-occupied and registered with the city under the 2018 STR ordinance, with inspections and annual renewal mandatory.
View full Cambridge rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham requires hosts to register under Massachusetts Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018, with state registration plus any local operator registration before listing on Airbnb or Vrbo.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance Year | 2018 | - |
| Owner-Occupied | Required | - |
| Investor Rentals | Prohibited | - |
| State Registration | MGL c.64G required | - |
| Renewal | Annual | - |
| State Registry | - | MA DOR required |
| Insurance Minimum | - | $1 million liability |
| Rental Threshold | - | 31 days or fewer |
| Local Permit | - | ISD registration |
| Inspection | - | Health and safety required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I rent out a property I do not live in?
No, Cambridge requires STRs to be owner-occupied or in an owner-occupied 2-3 family building.
Where do I register?
Register with the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department and with the MA DOR for state tax purposes.
Waltham FAQ
Do I need to register with the state?
Yes, Chapter 337 of 2018 requires all MA short-term rental operators to register with the Department of Revenue.
Is liability insurance mandatory?
Yes, state law requires a minimum $1 million liability policy covering the short-term rental activity.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Waltham compare on other ordinance categories.
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