Massachusetts law requires every Lowell short-term rental operator to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering each rental stay.
MGL c.64G s.14, enacted with the 2019 STR law, requires every short-term rental operator in the Commonwealth to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance defending and indemnifying against bodily injury and property damage arising from each stay. The coverage must either be provided by the operator directly or by the hosting platform on behalf of the operator. Airbnb AirCover and Vrbo Liability Insurance generally satisfy this requirement for bookings through those platforms, but operators renting through other channels must purchase a commercial STR policy since standard homeowner and landlord policies typically exclude transient rental activity. Operators must be prepared to show proof of coverage to Lowell Inspectional Services or the Massachusetts DOR upon request. Failing to maintain required coverage is a violation of state law and can lead to fines and loss of STR registration eligibility.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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