Newton does not impose a specific night cap on owner-occupied STRs, but non-owner-occupied rentals are generally restricted by zoning rather than by per-year night limits.
Unlike Boston and Cambridge, Newton does not publish a fixed annual night cap (such as 90 or 120 days per year) for short-term rentals. Instead, the city controls STR intensity through its zoning framework: owner-occupied hosting is the permissible model, while operating a standalone investor STR in a residential zone is generally not allowed. Because the host must reside in the dwelling as a primary residence, the practical effect limits full-unit rental nights when the host is away. Homestead and primary-residence documentation (voter registration, drivers license, tax filings) is used to verify owner occupancy. Hosts should verify current policy with the Inspectional Services Department and Planning Department, because Newton periodically reviews its STR regulations. Condominium and HOA rules may impose their own limits stricter than city policy.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle night caps.
See how Newton's night caps rules stack up against other locations.
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