Can I Airbnb in Boston, MA? (2026)

Short-term rentals (stays under 28 days) are legal in Boston only in an owner-occupant's primary residence or in a secondary unit of an owner-occupied two- or three-family home — investor-owned and tenant-operated STRs are banned. Hosts must register annually with the Inspectional Services Department ($25/year for a Limited Share unit; $200/year for a Home Share or Owner-Adjacent unit), display the registration number on listings, and pay lodging taxes of up to 17.95% (generally collected by platforms like Airbnb). Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

What’s required: a Short-Term Rental Registration (City of Boston Inspectional Services Department) ($200) is required; rentals are limited to your primary residence; occupancy taxes apply; renew annual.