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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Edgartown, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (MassTaxConnect) and comply with all state tax requirements. Always check with the Edgartown town hall before operating a short-term rental.

What is the TOT tax rate in Edgartown?

**14.45%** is the total tax rate for short-term rentals in Edgartown, MA. This includes the 6% state excise tax, plus additional local taxes and fees. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the state. Check with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for specific details.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Edgartown?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Edgartown, but are subject to state regulations. Edgartown does not have its own local municipal STR permit system. Hosts must comply with the Massachusetts State Registry (MassTaxConnect) and pay all applicable taxes. Check with the town for any local zoning restrictions.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Edgartown?

**Penalties** for operating an unregistered short-term rental in Edgartown will depend on the specific violation. Because Edgartown relies on state regulations, failure to register with MassTaxConnect and remit taxes can result in fines and legal action from the state. Always ensure you are compliant with state law.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Edgartown?

**Potentially**, renters may be able to host on Airbnb in Edgartown, but this depends on the terms of their lease agreement with the property owner. Even if allowed by the lease, renters must still comply with state tax regulations and register with MassTaxConnect. Always obtain written permission from the landlord first.

Edgartown

Moderate

MassachusettsUpdated Mar 28, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

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%.

Restriction level

Severity 8

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Edgartown, you don't need a specific 'town permit' right now, but you MUST register with the State of Massachusetts through MassTaxConnect. Once registered, you will get a certificate number that you must put on your listing. You also need to have $1 million in liability insurance. The town collects a 6% local tax, which is added to state taxes for a total of 14.45% that your guests must pay.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$0

Processing timeImmediate

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify if your property is within the 'Edgartown' town limits or 'Unincorporated Dukes County' (Chappaquiddick is part of Edgartown).
2Massachusetts state registration is mandatory even though there is no local Edgartown permit fee.
3The 14.45% tax rate includes a 2.75% fee for the Cape & Islands Water Protection Fund.
4If you rent your home for 14 days or less per calendar year, you are exempt from the tax, but NOT exempt from registering with the state.
5Draft bylaws were rejected in 2024, but the town is actively monitoring STR complaints; expect new regulations in 2025/2026.
6Liability insurance of $1M is a state-level requirement for all STR hosts.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Edgartown, MA: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Edgartown, MA: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Edgartown does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements14 rules

Edgartown STR warning: Draft bylaws were rejected in 2024, but the town is actively monitoring STR complaints; expect new regulations in 2025/2026.
Edgartown: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
Edgartown, MA: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process10 rules

Edgartown STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Insurance. Ensure you have at least $1 million in liability insurance for the property. Required documents: Proof of Insurance.
Edgartown, MA extended permit requirement: No local town fee is currently enacted; state registration is free.

Fees & costs2 rules

Edgartown: Liability insurance of $1M is a state-level requirement for all STR hosts.
Edgartown: Massachusetts state registration is mandatory even though there is no local Edgartown permit fee.

Taxes2 rules

Edgartown 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: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the state and local taxes in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 5.7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Edgartown enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Edgartown: Verify if your property is within the 'Edgartown' town limits or 'Unincorporated Dukes County' (Chappaquiddick is part of Edgartown).
Edgartown: The 14.45% tax rate includes a 2.75% fee for the Cape & Islands Water Protection Fund.
Edgartown limits stays to a maximum of 31 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Edgartown requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, Liability insurance must be maintained per state law.

Penalties3 rules

Edgartown, MA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Edgartown enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or $100 per day. Second offense: $200 per day. Third offense: $300 per day. Daily fine: $100-$300. Maximum fine: Uncapped for continuous violations. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions4 rules

Edgartown, MA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Edgartown: If you rent your home for 14 days or less per calendar year, you are exempt from the tax, but NOT exempt from registering with the state.

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Edgartown

Moderate

MassachusettsUpdated Mar 28, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 8

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$0

Processing timeImmediate

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify if your property is within the 'Edgartown' town limits or 'Unincorporated Dukes County' (Chappaquiddick is part of Edgartown).
2Massachusetts state registration is mandatory even though there is no local Edgartown permit fee.
3The 14.45% tax rate includes a 2.75% fee for the Cape & Islands Water Protection Fund.
4If you rent your home for 14 days or less per calendar year, you are exempt from the tax, but NOT exempt from registering with the state.
5Draft bylaws were rejected in 2024, but the town is actively monitoring STR complaints; expect new regulations in 2025/2026.
6Liability insurance of $1M is a state-level requirement for all STR hosts.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Edgartown, MA: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Edgartown, MA: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Edgartown does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements14 rules

Edgartown STR warning: Draft bylaws were rejected in 2024, but the town is actively monitoring STR complaints; expect new regulations in 2025/2026.
Edgartown: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
Edgartown, MA: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process10 rules

Edgartown STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Insurance. Ensure you have at least $1 million in liability insurance for the property. Required documents: Proof of Insurance.
Edgartown, MA extended permit requirement: No local town fee is currently enacted; state registration is free.

Fees & costs2 rules

Edgartown: Liability insurance of $1M is a state-level requirement for all STR hosts.
Edgartown: Massachusetts state registration is mandatory even though there is no local Edgartown permit fee.

Taxes2 rules

Edgartown 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: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the state and local taxes in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 5.7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Edgartown enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Edgartown: Verify if your property is within the 'Edgartown' town limits or 'Unincorporated Dukes County' (Chappaquiddick is part of Edgartown).
Edgartown: The 14.45% tax rate includes a 2.75% fee for the Cape & Islands Water Protection Fund.
Edgartown limits stays to a maximum of 31 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Edgartown requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, Liability insurance must be maintained per state law.

Penalties3 rules

Edgartown, MA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Edgartown enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or $100 per day. Second offense: $200 per day. Third offense: $300 per day. Daily fine: $100-$300. Maximum fine: Uncapped for continuous violations. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions4 rules

Edgartown, MA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Edgartown: If you rent your home for 14 days or less per calendar year, you are exempt from the tax, but NOT exempt from registering with the state.

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Edgartown?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Edgartown?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Edgartown?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Edgartown?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Edgartown?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Edgartown?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Edgartown?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Edgartown?

Disclaimer