Fall River, MA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum guests
- 8 total
- Per-bedroom cap
- 2 guests per bedroom
- Rule applied
- whichever number is lower
- Governing section
- § 14-722(D)
Summary
Fall River short-term rentals may host no more than eight guests total, or two guests per bedroom if that limit is lower, under the city's rental ordinance.
Number of guests. A short-term rental shall be limited to a maximum of eight guests, or two guests per bedroom, whichever number is fewer.
E. Annual certification. The operator must file with Inspectional Services a sworn certification attesting to continued compliance with the requirements of this article and all applicable public safety codes. Such certification shall be filed annually.
F. Annual notice to abutters. The operator must, within 30 days after registration of a short-term rental, provide notice of such registration to all abutters and owners of land directly opposite any public or private street or way. Such notification shall include the contact information of the operator and the local contact, and the registration number provided by Inspectional Services. This notice must thereafter be provided annually to all abutters and owners of land directly opposite any public or private street or way. Failure to provide such notice shall constitute a violation of this ordinance.
G. Posting of house rules. The operator must post and maintain, in a conspicuous location inside the short-term rental, a sign, brochure, or similar document that contains the following information for the renter:
(1) Contact information for the operator and the local contact.
(2) Instructions for disposal of waste per the city's recycling and trash programs.
(3)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 14-722(D) of the short-term rental ordinance sets a hard occupancy cap: eight guests maximum, or two guests per bedroom, whichever number is smaller. A one-bedroom rental is therefore capped at two guests, not eight, even though the flat ceiling is higher. The limit applies per rental party, and a short-term rental may only be rented to one party at a time under § 14-722(C).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the guest cap violates § 14-722(D) and counts toward the three-strikes rule in § 14-722(J); enforcement runs through Inspectional Services under §§ 14-726 and 14-727.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 8-guest cap apply even to a large house?
Can I rent separate bedrooms to different groups to raise the total?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
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