Massachusetts does not impose a statewide cap on STR nights, but Lowell may limit non-owner-occupied rentals through zoning, and the state law defines STRs as stays of 31 nights or less.
Unlike Boston and Cambridge, which impose strict night caps and owner-occupancy requirements, Lowell does not currently cap the number of nights a short-term rental can operate per year by blanket ordinance. However, state law defines short-term rentals as rentals of 31 consecutive days or less; any stay of 32+ nights falls outside STR regulation and room occupancy excise. Lowell zoning may effectively limit operation by requiring a special permit for non-owner-occupied STRs in residential districts, and the Zoning Board of Appeals may condition such permits with night or occupancy limits. Operators should monitor the Lowell City Council agenda for any proposed STR regulation, as Massachusetts municipalities have increasingly adopted caps and registration schemes. Any future local cap would layer on top of state registration and taxation obligations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle night caps.
See how Lowell's night caps rules stack up against other locations.
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