What should Brookline hosts know about primary residence is strictly enforced?

Primary residence is strictly enforced - investors cannot operate STRs in non-primary residences.

What should Brookline hosts know about adus (accessory dwelling units) are?

ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

What should Brookline hosts know about a 90-day annual cap applies?

A 90-day annual cap applies to all rentals unless a special extension is granted.

What are the key requirements for Brookline hosts?

Condo owners must provide proof that their association by-laws explicitly permit STRs.

Brookline, MA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Guides

Videos

All Videos Best Videos Trending

News Rules Topics Ask AI

Brookline, MA Short-Term Rental... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility10 rules

Brookline: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
Brookline rent control/RSO note: STRs are prohibited in any housing subject to local, state, or federal income-eligible/restricted programs.
Brookline allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Two-Family, Three-Family.

Requirements11 rules

Brookline STR warning: Condo owners must provide proof that their association by-laws explicitly permit STRs.
Brookline STR warning: Primary residence is strictly enforced - investors cannot operate STRs in non-primary residences.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Brookline: Step 1: Register with State DOR - Obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://mtc.dor.state.ma.us/mtc/_/ Step 2: Gather Documentation - Prepare proof of primary residence (residential tax exemption), floor plans, and $1,000,000 liability insurance binder. Documents needed: Floor plan, Insurance policy, Tax records. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.brooklinema.gov/1816/Short-Term-Rentals Step 3: Submit Town Application - Apply for a Certificate of Registration through the Brookline Select Board's online portal. Documents needed: State registration number. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 275. More info: https://www.brooklinema.gov/1816/Short-Term-Rentals Step 4: Pass Inspections - Schedule and pass mandatory health, building, and fire safety inspections by the town departments. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Step 5: Receive and Post Certificate - Once approved, receive your Certificate and post the registration number on all listing platforms. Estimated time: 1 week.

Fees & costs1 rule

Brookline charges a registration fee of $275 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 0.057% that applies to STR rentals.
Brookline charges a Local Option Room Occupancy Excise of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms like Airbnb generally collect and remit the 5.7% state and 6% local tax.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Brookline: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Brookline limits STRs to 90 nights per year. This applies to all rentals. Exception: May be increased up to 180 days per year following a public hearing and Select Board approval.
Brookline limits stays to a maximum of 27 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Brookline requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Health Department Inspection, Building Department Inspection, Emergency lighting required in some cases, Exit signs required in some cases.

Penalties3 rules

Brookline: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Brookline: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. STRs are prohibited in any housing subject to local, state, or federal income-eligible/restricted programs.

Exemptions2 rules

Brookline: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Brookline exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Stays of 14 days or less per year (tax exemption, but not permit exemption).

Brookline

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Create a free account

Regulation details

Create a free account

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Brookline?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Brookline?

3Are there rental night limits in Brookline?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Brookline?

Disclaimer