Cambridge, MA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Coverage
- 1 million dollars
- Statute
- MGL c.64G s.14
- Platform Coverage
- Acceptable if equivalent
- Homeowner Policy
- Usually excludes STR
- Proof
- Required at registration
Summary
Massachusetts law requires STR operators to carry at least 1 million dollars in liability insurance covering each rental, either directly or through the hosting platform.
Section 14: Regulation of operators by cities or towns
Section 14. A city or town, by ordinance or by-law, may regulate operators registered pursuant to section 67 of chapter 62C and impose penalties for the violation of such an ordinance or by-law. A city or town, by ordinance or by-law, may:
(i) regulate the existence or location of operators under this section within the city or town, including regulating the class of operators and number of local licenses or permits issued to operators under this section and the number of days a person may operate and rent out an accommodation in a calendar year;
(ii) require the licensing or registration of operators within the city or town [...];
(iii) require operators to demonstrate that any properties or premises controlled, occupied, operated, managed or used as accommodations subject to the excise under this chapter are not subject to any outstanding building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, health, housing or zoning code enforcement [...];
(iv) require properties or premises controlled, occupied, operated, managed or used by operators as an accommodation subject to the excise under this chapter to undergo health and safety inspections [...].
Notwithstanding any ordinance or by-law adopted by a city or town pursuant to this section, an operator of a short-term rental shall post inside the short-term rental unit information regarding the location of any fire extinguishers, gas shut off valves, fire exits and fire alarms in the unit and building.
Full Breakdown
Under MGL c.64G s.14, all Massachusetts short-term rental operators including those in Cambridge must maintain liability insurance of at least 1 million dollars per occurrence covering the unit during each stay. This coverage may be obtained through a standalone commercial host policy or provided by the listing platform such as Airbnb AirCover or Vrbo Liability Insurance. Operators must attest to coverage during Cambridge registration. Standard homeowner and renter policies typically exclude commercial short-term rental activity, so operators should confirm coverage with their insurer. Proof of insurance may be requested during inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Airbnb coverage satisfy the rule?
Is my homeowner policy enough?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Insurance Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle insurance requirements.