Lowell, MA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Accessory roomer cap
- 2 non-transient roomers (Zoning Sec. 4.3.5)
- Lodging House threshold
- 4+ unrelated lodgers
- Per-night STR guest cap
- None in city code
- STR stay length (state tax)
- Up to 31 consecutive days (G.L. c. 64G, Sec. 1)
- Overcrowding standard
- State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410
Summary
Lowell's Zoning Ordinance caps accessory room rental by a resident owner at two non-transient roomers or boarders. A dwelling where lodgings are let to four or more unrelated persons becomes a 'Boarding or Lodging House,' triggering a special permit and a c. 140 license. No separate STR per-night guest cap exists in the city code.
BOARDING OR LODGING HOUSE: a house where lodgings are let to four or more persons not within second degree of kindred to the person conducting it, and shall include fraternity houses and dormitories of educational institutions, but shall not include dormitories of charitable or philanthropic institutions or convalescent or nursing homes licensed under G.L. c. 111, s. 71 or rest homes so licensed, or group residences licensed or regulated by agencies of the commonwealth.
Full Breakdown
Lowell does not set a per-night guest count for short-term rentals because it has no short-term rental use category. Instead, occupancy is governed by the zoning definitions and accessory-use rules. 5(1) of the Zoning Ordinance limits a resident owner, in all districts, to renting rooms to 'not more than two (2) non-transient roomers or boarders' as an accessory use. c. 140, Sec. 23. General habitability and overcrowding limits also apply under the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410 (minimum square footage per occupant), and Lowell's Housing Standards (Chapter 176). c. 64G, Sec. 1).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the two-roomer accessory allowance or operating an unpermitted/unlicensed lodging house is enforced under Chapter 290 (zoning) and G.L. c. 140, Sec. 23, plus overcrowding enforcement under the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) and Chapter 176, with orders to correct, fines, and license denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum number of guests for an STR in Lowell?
When does renting rooms become a lodging house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lowell
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Occupancy Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle occupancy limits.