Short-term rental permit rules in Boston, MA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Boston requires STR registration through Inspectional Services with a $200 annual fee. Only owner-occupied properties qualify, and operators must reside in the unit at least 9 months per year.
Boston's Short-Term Rental Ordinance requires all STR operators to register annually with the Inspectional Services Department. Only owner-occupied single-family, two-family, and three-family buildings qualify. For multi-family buildings, the owner must own all units. Three unit types exist: Limited Share (room rental while host present), Home Share (whole unit, max 90 days/year absent), and Owner-Adjacent (unit in owner-occupied two or three family). A $65 business certificate from the City Clerk is also required. Registration number must appear on all online listings.
Operating without registration: $300 per day fine. Code violations: $300 per day until corrected. Repeat violations may result in license revocation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle permit requirements.
See how Boston's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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