Short-term rental permit rules in Brookline, MA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Brookline requires STR operators to obtain a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee) through the Select Board. The unit must be the operator's primary residence (183+ days/year). STRs are banned in non-owner-occupied single-family homes.
Brookline's Short-Term Rental By-Law (Article 17 of General By-Laws) and Zoning Ordinance Section 4.60 together govern STRs. A Certificate of Registration costs $275 and is valid for up to 5 years (non-transferable, terminates on ownership change). Operators must: (1) be the owner and primary resident; (2) submit proof of primary residency via Brookline residential tax exemption enrollment or a signed affidavit; (3) pass a property inspection; (4) have no outstanding code violations. Within 14 days of issuance, adjacent abutters are notified by mail. The Certificate must be posted in the rental unit. Brookline has banned STRs in non-owner-occupied single-family homes.
Operating without a Certificate of Registration is a bylaw violation subject to fines. Certificates can be revoked, suspended, or modified for cause.
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