Everett, MA Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Section 12-1017(b) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Massachusetts, passed by the Everett City Council and amended 5-12-2025 by Ord. No. C0055-25, builds a three-ticket structure for short-term rental operators. The first step is discretionary: a violation can, at the enforcement official's discretion, result in a warning or an ordinance ticket and the maximum appropriate fine. The second step is the count: three or more such tickets within a six-month period mean the unit is no longer eligible to that operator for use as a short-term rental for a period of six (6) months following the most recent violation.

The listed violations reach any failure to abide by the division, including but not limited to offering an ineligible unit; failing to furnish a copy of the booking agent listing or to include the required parking information in the listing; failing to furnish a community information card to guests, or furnishing one without the required minimum information; and failing to remit any required excise tax or surcharge. Unpaid taxes or surcharges are also liened against the property.

A second and longer lockout sits in Section 12-1013(b)(3). A residential unit that is the subject of three (3) or more findings of violations of that section within a six-month period, or three (3) or more violations of any municipal ordinance or state law or code relating to excessive noise, improper disposal of trash, disorderly conduct, or other similar conduct within a six-month period, stays ineligible for a twelve-month period immediately following the third violation. Section 12-1013(b)(4) also suspends the registration of a unit if a building, sanitary, zoning or fire code violation or order is issued after registration, until it is cured or resolved.

Complaints are made to the police, fire, health and/or inspectional services department, and investigation commences within thirty (30) days. A person served with a notice of violation can request a hearing from the hearing officer by filing a written petition within twenty-one (21) days after service, with hearing rights governed by Section 13A-49.