Suffolk County, MA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Short-term rental occupancy in Suffolk County is set by a mix of local STR ordinances and state sanitary standards. Boston Short-Term Rental Ordinance (City Code §9-14, enacted 2018, operative 2019) requires registration with ISD, restricts STRs to owner-occupied and owner-adjacent units, and sets maximum occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons (e.g., a 2-bedroom unit maxes at 6 guests). Boston STR registration number must appear in every listing. Chelsea adopted an STR bylaw in 2019 requiring registration and a 4% local room occupancy excise. Revere STR Ordinance §10.28 (adopted 2021) requires registration with Inspectional Services, compliance with 105 CMR 410, and reasonable occupancy limits stated on the registration. Winthrop has no specific STR ordinance but enforces 105 CMR 410.400 sanitary standards — 150 sq ft for the first occupant plus 100 sq ft for each additional occupant, with bedroom minimum 70 sq ft first person plus 50 sq ft per additional. All STRs statewide are also subject to the MGL c. 64G room occupancy excise and state registration through the DOR Short-Term Rental Registry. Hosts must maintain $1 million liability insurance per MGL c. 64G, §13. Overcrowding complaints are handled by ISD or Board of Health.