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

**Yes**, Stockbridge requires a Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration. You need to obtain a local permit from the Town Select Board after registering with the State of Massachusetts. The annual fee is $200, and you must prove you have at least $1 million in liability insurance. (52 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Stockbridge?

**6% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Stockbridge. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the town. Airbnb and VRBO may automatically collect a portion of this tax in certain jurisdictions, so verify before collecting. (52 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Stockbridge?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Stockbridge, MA. The town allows both owner-occupied and secondary residences to operate as STRs. Keep in mind that you cannot rent to more than two people per bedroom, plus two extra guests for the whole house, per the regulations. (51 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Stockbridge?

**$200** is the annual fee for the Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration in Stockbridge. In order to obtain the permit, you must register your property with the State of Massachusetts and then obtain a local permit from the Town Select Board. The permit also requires a safety inspection. (52 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Stockbridge?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Stockbridge. The regulations stipulate that only property owners can apply for and receive a Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration. Renters are not eligible to apply for a permit to operate a short-term rental in Stockbridge. (50 words)

Stockbridge, MA Short-Term Rental Laws & Rules

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

The Town of Stockbridge requires all short-term rentals to register annually and pass a safety inspection by the building department. The town allows both owner-occupied and secondary residences to operate as STRs, provided they meet the occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 36 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $200
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Stockbridge, you first need to register your property with the State of Massachusetts and then obtain a local permit from the Town Select Board. You will need to have a professional inspection to ensure your smoke detectors and emergency exits meet fire codes. There is a $200 annual fee, and you must prove you have at least $1 million in liability insurance. Keep in mind that you cannot rent to more than two people per bedroom, plus two extra guests for the whole house.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.You MUST have a Massachusetts State Certificate Number from Mass DOR before applying to the Town.
2.Stockbridge requires a minimum stay of 2 nights for all short-term rentals.
3.Safety inspections are mandatory and must be completed before your permit is issued.
4.Trash must be managed according to a specific plan submitted with your application; you cannot leave trash on the curb indefinitely.
5.Liability insurance must be specifically for 'short-term rentals,' not just a standard homeowner's policy.
6.Ensure you are in Stockbridge proper; areas near the boundary may fall under Great Barrington or Lee rules, which differ significantly.
7.The 6% local tax is in addition to the 5.7% state tax, totaling 11.7%.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Stockbridge: Events using tents or amplified music are strictly prohibited at short-term rentals.
•Stockbridge prohibits STRs in the following property types: Affordable or income-restricted housing, Properties with outstanding code violations.
•Stockbridge allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Tenant-occupied properties may be registered in conformance with regulations.

Requirements(20)

•Stockbridge STR warning: Properties on septic systems must provide proof of pumping within the last 3 years.
•Stockbridge requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: 1,000,000. State law requires $1M liability insurance unless the hosting platform provides coverage.

Application Process(7)

•Stockbridge STR permit - Step 2: Gather Local Documents. Prepare proof of local management, health/safety attestations, and septic pumping records (if applicable). Required documents: DOR Certificate, Septic records, Emergency contact info. Time: 1 week.

Taxes(2)

•Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 5.7% that applies to STR rentals.
•Stockbridge charges a Local Option Room Occupancy Excise of 6%. This applies to stays under 32 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Massachusetts requires intermediaries like Airbnb/Vrbo to collect and remit both state and local excise taxes.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Stockbridge limits stays to a maximum of 31 nights.
•Stockbridge occupancy calculation: One more than twice the number of bedrooms (e.g., 5 for a 2-bedroom unit).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Stockbridge enforces quiet hours: General noise restrictions apply; no events with amplified music or tents allowed..

Safety Requirements(1)

•Stockbridge requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Septic system pumping certificate (every 3 years), Local manager must respond within 2 hours (30 mins for emergency), Adequate off-street parking for all guest vehicles.

Penalties(2)

•Stockbridge: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Stockbridge enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100. Second offense: $200. Third offense: $300. Daily fine: Yes. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Stockbridge exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Units rented 14 days or less per year are exempt from tax but must still register..
•Stockbridge: 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.

Stockbridge

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(20)

Application Process(7)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Stockbridge

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Stockbridge?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Stockbridge?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Stockbridge?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Stockbridge?

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Lenox

Edgartown

Amherst