Suffolk County, MA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

All short-term rentals in Massachusetts — including Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop — must carry insurance under the 2018 STR law (Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018, codified at MGL c. 64G, §13). The statute requires operators to 'maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 to cover each short-term rental,' which can be satisfied by a homeowner's or landlord's policy with a short-term rental endorsement, a standalone STR commercial policy, or by operating through a hosting platform that provides equivalent coverage. Airbnb's AirCover host liability insurance ($1 million per incident) and Vrbo's Liability Insurance ($1 million) generally satisfy the statute. Operators listing on multiple platforms should verify each provides the coverage. Standard homeowner policies almost always exclude commercial use — operating an STR on a homeowner policy without an endorsement often voids coverage. Boston STR registration (§9-14) requires the operator to certify insurance and maintain proof. Chelsea and Revere STR ordinances require proof of insurance at registration and renewal. Platforms that collect the MA room occupancy excise on behalf of operators (Airbnb, Vrbo) report compliance to the DOR. Uninsured operation exposes hosts to personal liability for guest injuries, property damage, and third-party claims.