Boston STR hosts must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage for the unit, either through a personal policy endorsement or the hosting platform.
The Boston short-term rental ordinance requires registered operators to maintain commercial general liability insurance with a minimum $1 million per-occurrence limit covering the STR activity. Airbnb AirCover and Vrbo Liability Insurance satisfy the requirement on most bookings, but hosts listing off-platform or doing direct bookings must buy a landlord or STR-specific policy. Condominiums in Boston additionally require that the master association carry commercial coverage, and many condo bylaws prohibit STR entirely. Hosts must submit the certificate of insurance at registration and keep it current. A lapse voids the registration.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle insurance requirements.
See how Boston's insurance requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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