What should Waltham hosts know about waltham has adopted the maximum?

Waltham has adopted the maximum local option tax of 6%, bringing the total tax burden to 11.7%.

What should Waltham hosts know about massachusetts state law mandates $1,000,000?

Massachusetts state law mandates $1,000,000 in liability insurance for STR operators.

What should Waltham hosts know about waltham currently has 'low regulation'?

Waltham currently has 'low regulation' relative to neighboring Boston, but does not allow 'lodging houses' (4+ rooms) without a separate specific license.

Waltham

Permissive

STRs Allowed

MassachusettsLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

50%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Waltham does not require a local short-term rental permit, but operators must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and remit occupancy taxes.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Waltham, you must register your property with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. While the city does not currently have its own specific licensing process, you are required to collect an 11.7% total occupancy tax and carry at least $1 million in liability insurance.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Waltham: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Waltham allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Subject to lease agreement; Massachusetts law prohibits subletting for STR if not authorized by owner.
•Waltham: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(9)

•Waltham: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
•Waltham does not require STR registration.
•Waltham: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(5)

•Waltham STR permit - Step 2: Verify Insurance Coverage. Ensure you have a policy that provides at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage specifically for short-term rentals, as required by state law. Required documents: Certificate of Insurance. Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Waltham: Massachusetts state law mandates $1,000,000 in liability insurance for STR operators.

Taxes(2)

•Waltham charges a Local Room Occupancy Excise Tax of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes directly to the MA Department of Revenue.
•Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 0.057% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Waltham occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2, subject to state health code 105 CMR 410. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Waltham limits stays to a maximum of 31 nights.
•Waltham enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am.
•Waltham: Waltham has adopted the maximum local option tax of 6%, bringing the total tax burden to 11.7%.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Waltham requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, Compliance with State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.

Penalties(1)

•Waltham enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies. Second offense: Varies. Third offense: Varies. Daily fine: 300.

Exemptions(2)

•Waltham exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Licensed lodging houses, Hotels, Bed and breakfasts.
•Waltham: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Massachusetts Markets

Boston

Massachusetts

Strict

Boston enforces some of the strictest short-term rental laws in the US, mandating that all units must be the host's primary residence. Investor-owned secondary units are strictly prohibited, and all hosts must register annually with the Inspectional Services Department.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Lenox

Massachusetts

Moderate

Short-term rentals are regulated in Lenox under a bylaw passed in 2022, requiring annual registration with the Board of Health and a $100 fee. All units must undergo a safety inspection and hosts must collect a 6% local room occupancy tax in addition to state taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Edgartown

Massachusetts

Moderate

Edgartown does not currently have a local municipal STR permit system, as recent attempts to pass a licensing bylaw have failed. However, hosts must comply with the Massachusetts State Registry (MassTaxConnect) and pay a combined total tax rate of 14.45%.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Amherst

Massachusetts

Moderate

Amherst requires all short-term rentals to obtain a Residential Rental Permit, comply with strict occupancy limits, and prohibits STRs in accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Waltham

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(9)

Application Process(5)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Massachusetts Markets

Boston

Lenox

Edgartown

Amherst

Waltham

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Waltham?

Related Content

Other Massachusetts Markets

Boston

Lenox

Edgartown

Amherst