What zoning rules apply to STRs in Worcester?

Non-owner occupied whole-home rentals in residential zones are generally not allowed unless you live in one of the other units (for 2-3 family homes).

What are the permit fees in Worcester?

Worcester includes a 2.75% Convention Center Financing fee in addition to the state and local excise taxes.

What are the key requirements for Worcester hosts?

A local 24/7 contact person must be provided to respond to emergencies or complaints within 2 hours.

Worcester

Strict

STRs Allowed

MassachusettsLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Worcester requires all short-term rentals to be registered annually, restricted to operator-occupied properties, and compliant with safety inspections.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 88 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb or similar rental in Worcester, the property must be your primary residence (or a unit in a building where you live). You must register with both the State of Massachusetts and the City of Worcester, pay an annual $50 fee, and pass a safety inspection.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

365/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$300

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Worcester requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: The unit must be the operator's primary residence, or the operator must live in a separate unit within the same 2-family or 3-family dwelling.
•Worcester allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family, Three-Family, Condo.

Requirements(10)

•Worcester: A local 24/7 contact person must be provided to respond to emergencies or complaints within 2 hours.
•Worcester requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Registration". Apply through Department of Inspectional Services. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(6)

•How to set up an STR in Worcester: To host an Airbnb or similar rental in Worcester, the property must be your primary residence (or a unit in a building where you live). You must register with both the State of Massachusetts and the City of Worcester, pay an annual $50 fee, and pass a safety inspection.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Worcester charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Worcester charges a Local Option Room Occupancy Excise + Convention Center Fee of 0.0875%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO typically collect and remit both state and local taxes in MA.
•Worcester: Worcester includes a 2.75% Convention Center Financing fee in addition to the state and local excise taxes.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Worcester enforces quiet hours: 9pm-7am.
•Worcester limits STRs to 365 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
•Worcester limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Worcester: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Worcester limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: Maximum of 3 bedrooms and 6 guests total per STR unit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Worcester requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress must be maintained, Lead paint compliance for children, Liability insurance.

Penalties(2)

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

Exemptions(2)

•Worcester exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts, Hospitals, Dormitories.
•Worcester: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 3-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

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.

Other Massachusetts Markets

Boston

Massachusetts

Strict

Boston enforces some of the strictest short-term rental laws in the US, mandating that all units must be the host's primary residence. Investor-owned secondary units are strictly prohibited, and all hosts must register annually with the Inspectional Services Department.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Lenox

Massachusetts

Moderate

Short-term rentals are regulated in Lenox under a bylaw passed in 2022, requiring annual registration with the Board of Health and a $100 fee. All units must undergo a safety inspection and hosts must collect a 6% local room occupancy tax in addition to state taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Edgartown

Massachusetts

Moderate

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%.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Amherst

Massachusetts

Moderate

Amherst requires all short-term rentals to obtain a Residential Rental Permit, comply with strict occupancy limits, and prohibits STRs in accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Worcester

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(6)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Massachusetts Markets

Boston

Lenox

Edgartown

Amherst

Worcester

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 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 Worcester?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Worcester?

3Are there rental night limits in Worcester?

4What are the residency requirements in Worcester?

Related Content

Other Massachusetts Markets

Boston

Lenox

Edgartown

Amherst