Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Barnstable, MA?

**Yes**, you need a Short-Term Rental Certificate in Barnstable. You must obtain this annual certificate from the Health Division. The cost for this permit is $90. Failure to acquire necessary permits may lead to fines, so ensure compliance before hosting guests.

What is the TOT tax rate in Barnstable, MA?

**14.45%** is the total tax rate for short-term rentals in Barnstable. This includes the state excise tax, the local option tax, and the Cape Cod water protection fee. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it as required by Massachusetts law, ensuring full compliance.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Barnstable, MA?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Barnstable, MA, but they are strictly regulated. You need to secure the required Short-Term Rental Certificate from the Health Division. Make sure you adhere to all local regulations, including tax obligations, to operate legally within Barnstable.

How much does an STR permit cost in Barnstable, MA?

**$90** is the current cost of the Short-Term Rental Certificate in Barnstable. This certificate, required annually, is obtained from the Health Division. Be sure to factor this fee into your operating costs when running a short-term rental business within the town of Barnstable.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Barnstable, MA?

**Penalties** may apply if you operate an illegal short-term rental in Barnstable. Operating without the required Short-Term Rental Certificate from the Health Division can result in fines. Ensure you obtain all necessary permits and adhere to local tax regulations to avoid penalties.

Barnstable, MA Short-Term Rental Laws & Rules

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Eligibility9 rules

Barnstable prohibits STRs in the following property types: Inclusionary housing units, Affordable housing units, Boats, Trailers.
Barnstable allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Apartment, Condominium.
Barnstable, MA: Properties with affordable housing restrictions or subsidies cannot be used for short-term rentals.

Requirements17 rules

Barnstable, MA: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Barnstable requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Certificate". Apply through Town of Barnstable Health Division. Processing time: 1-2 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application process11 rules

Barnstable, MA: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Certificate of Compliance, MA Department of Revenue Certificate Number, Floor Plan, Local Contact Information.
Barnstable STR permit - Step 1: State Registration. Register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to obtain a Certificate Number for tax purposes. Time: Instant.

Fees & costs1 rule

Barnstable charges a registration fee of $90 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 5.7% that applies to STR rentals.
Barnstable charges a Local Option Room Occupancy Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms like Airbnb/VRBO collect the 5.7% State and 6% Local tax automatically in MA.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Barnstable: Barnstable total tax includes a 2.75% Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund fee on top of state and local taxes.
Barnstable, MA occupancy calculation: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Barnstable limits stays to a maximum of 31 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Barnstable requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Certificate of inspection from the Health Department, Egress plan.

Penalties5 rules

Barnstable: There is a $300 per day fine for operating without a valid registration.
Barnstable: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Barnstable: Failure to post the certificate number on your Airbnb or VRBO listing can result in fines and platform removal.

Exemptions3 rules

Barnstable, MA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Barnstable exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

Barnstable

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Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Barnstable, MA?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Barnstable, MA?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Barnstable, MA?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Barnstable, MA?

5What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Barnstable, MA?

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