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

MassachusettsUpdated Apr 13, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 3

Classification

Permissive

Severity

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

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$0

3 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Waltham has adopted the maximum local option tax of 6%, bringing the total tax burden to 11.7%.
2Massachusetts state law mandates $1,000,000 in liability insurance for STR operators.
3Waltham currently has 'low regulation' relative to neighboring Boston, but does not allow 'lodging houses' (4+ rooms) without a separate specific license.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements9 rules

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 process5 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions4 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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

Penalties1 rule

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

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Waltham

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Register with Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Create an account on MassTaxConnect and register as an operator to obtain your state certificate.

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

FEIN or SSN
Property address

Official resource

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.

1 dayFree

Documents needed

Certificate of Insurance

Step 3

Review Local Zoning and Health Codes

Consult the Waltham Building Department to ensure your property complies with general rental safety standards and sanitary codes.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

1 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

Waltham

Permissive

MassachusettsUpdated Apr 13, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 3

Classification

Permissive

Severity

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

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$0

3 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Waltham has adopted the maximum local option tax of 6%, bringing the total tax burden to 11.7%.
2Massachusetts state law mandates $1,000,000 in liability insurance for STR operators.
3Waltham currently has 'low regulation' relative to neighboring Boston, but does not allow 'lodging houses' (4+ rooms) without a separate specific license.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements9 rules

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 process5 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions4 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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

Penalties1 rule

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

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Waltham

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Register with Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Create an account on MassTaxConnect and register as an operator to obtain your state certificate.

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

FEIN or SSN
Property address

Official resource

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.

1 dayFree

Documents needed

Certificate of Insurance

Step 3

Review Local Zoning and Health Codes

Consult the Waltham Building Department to ensure your property complies with general rental safety standards and sanitary codes.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

1 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

3 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Register with Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Verify Insurance Coverage

Review Local Zoning and Health Codes

Frequently asked questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Waltham?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

3 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Register with Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Verify Insurance Coverage

Review Local Zoning and Health Codes

Frequently asked questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Waltham?

Disclaimer