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Cambridge, MA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Tax/fee remittance duty
Section 4.64, item 6
Registration fee duty
Section 4.67, item 1
Payable to
City and/or State authorities
Certificate renewal
Every 5 years
Proof posted in unit
Certificate of registration

Summary

Cambridge short-term rental operators must remit all city and state taxes and fees on their rental income, on top of the registration fees charged for the Inspectional Services certificate itself.

Operators of short-term rentals shall remit to the appropriate body all fees and taxes as required by the City and/or State authorities.

View official code

Full Breakdown

67, item 1, which requires operators to 'secure a certificate of registration according to standards set forth by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, and pay all associated fees' before the certificate issues. 67, item 2(c) must be renewed every five years or upon any change of operator or owner. 65, item 1(d) additionally requires operators to post the certificate of registration in every owner-adjacent rental, giving inspectors and renters visible confirmation the tax and fee obligations tied to that certificate have been met. 60 requirements, including item 6.

Violations & Fines

Failing to remit required city and state taxes and fees under Section 4.64, item 6, or failing to pay registration fees under Section 4.67, item 1, breaches the conditions of the certificate of registration and can support denial, non-renewal, or revocation by the Inspectional Services Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cambridge short-term rental hosts have to pay taxes on their rental income?
Yes. Section 4.64, item 6 requires operators to remit all fees and taxes required by the City and State on their short-term rental activity, separate from the registration fee owed to obtain the certificate itself.
Is the Cambridge STR registration fee the same as the rental tax?
No. The registration fee under Section 4.67, item 1 pays for the certificate of registration and its five-year renewal cycle, while the tax and fee remittance duty under Section 4.64, item 6 covers ongoing city and state taxes on rental transactions.
What happens if a Cambridge STR operator doesn't pay required taxes?
Because the certificate of registration binds the operator to abide by all Section 4.60 requirements, including the tax remittance duty in item 6, nonpayment can be grounds for the Inspectional Services Department to deny, refuse to renew, or revoke the certificate.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cambridge

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsHeavy RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions

All Cambridge rules

How Cambridge compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts short-term rentals overview

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