Everett, MA Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)

Section 12-1014 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Massachusetts (Middlesex County) answers the night cap question directly. Under subsection (b)(1), an operator can use their entire home share unit as a short-term rental without a limitation as to the number of days per year. Under subsection (c), an operator can use their limited share unit as a short-term rental without limitation as to the number of days per year. Where a night cap exists in other cities, Everett's division prints the opposite for these two unit types.

The freedom on days comes with other conditions. Section 12-1012 defines a home share unit as an entire unit that is the operator's primary residence, and a limited share unit as the primary residence with a portion rented while the operator is present, limited to three (3) bedrooms including the operator's. A short-term rental is a stay of fewer than thirty-one (31) consecutive calendar days. Subsection (b)(2) bars renting individual rooms within a home share unit as separate short-term rentals.

Registration runs on a calendar of its own. Section 12-1015(a)(2) makes a registration valid for a one-year term from April 1 through March 31 of the following year, or another twelve-month period set by the building commissioner, and the annual registration fee is due on April 1 each year under Section 12-1015(d)(2). The operator must renew, keep the registration number on every listing, and obtain a certificate of fitness within the prior twelve (12) months.

The division prints no day limit for non-owner-occupied units either, but those units depend on the building commissioner's discretion under Section 12-1014(d)(1) and on naming a local professional property manager. Section 12-1013(b)(5) caps conversions in large residential buildings at a 20% maximum.