What are the key requirements for Nashua hosts?

Residential rentals MUST be owner-occupied (ASTR class).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Nashua?

Special Exception approval from the ZBA is required for all residential zone STRs, which involves a public hearing.

What should Nashua hosts know about short-term rentals are strictly prohibited?

Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

What should Nashua hosts know about one off-street parking space is?

One off-street parking space is required per rental unit regardless of size.

Nashua

Strict

New HampshireUpdated Apr 15, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

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

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Nashua regulates short-term rentals through zoning ordinances that distinguish between accessory use (owner-occupied) and commercial use, requiring a license and fire safety compliance.

Restriction level

Severity 58

Classification

Strict

Severity

Why this classification

Primary residence required
Owner-occupied required
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
Safety standards required
No night cap
Low permit fee

In plain English

What this means for you

In residential neighborhoods, you may only operate a short-term rental if it is your primary residence and you obtain a Special Exception from the Zoning Board. All hosts must apply for a city license, provide at least one off-street parking spot per unit, and pay the state rooms and meals tax.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$50

Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Residential rentals MUST be owner-occupied (ASTR class).
2Special Exception approval from the ZBA is required for all residential zone STRs, which involves a public hearing.
3Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
4One off-street parking space is required per rental unit regardless of size.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Nashua requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: For Accessory Short-Term Rentals in residential zones, the property must be the owner's principal residence.
Nashua: Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Nashua does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements13 rules

Nashua: One off-street parking space is required per rental unit regardless of size.

Application process9 rules

Nashua STR permit - Step 2: Apply for Special Exception (Residential Only). If in a residential zone (R-40 through R-C), apply for a Special Exception for an 'Accessory Short-Term Rental' through the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Required documents: Special Exception Application, Proof of Primary Residence, Abutters list. Time: 4-6 weeks. Cost: 125.

Fees & costs1 rule

Nashua charges a registration fee of $50 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $125 (Zoning Board Special Exception fee for residential applications).

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Nashua occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Nashua limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
Nashua enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.
Nashua limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2

Safety requirements1 rule

Nashua requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress plan required, Life safety code compliance, Off-street parking plan.

Penalties2 rules

Nashua: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Nashua enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of violation. Second offense: Varies by daily fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $275-$550. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Nashua exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.
Nashua: 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 Nashua

0/5

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning District

Consult the Nashua Zoning Map to determine if your property is in a residential or commercial district.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Apply for Special Exception (Residential Only)

If in a residential zone (R-40 through R-C), apply for a Special Exception for an 'Accessory Short-Term Rental' through the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

4-6 weeks$125

Documents needed

Special Exception Application
Proof of Primary Residence
Abutters list

Official resource

Step 3

Obtain NH Rooms and Meals Tax License

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

SSN or EIN

Official resource

Step 4

Submit Short-Term Rental License Application

Apply for the annual city license with the Community Development Division.

2 weeks$50

Documents needed

Floor plan
Insurance proof
Parking plan

Official resource

Step 5

Schedule Fire Safety Inspection

Once the application is received, schedule an inspection with Building Safety/Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with life safety codes.

1 weekFree

Frequently asked questions

4 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

Nashua

Strict

New HampshireUpdated Apr 15, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

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

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Nashua regulates short-term rentals through zoning ordinances that distinguish between accessory use (owner-occupied) and commercial use, requiring a license and fire safety compliance.

Restriction level

Severity 58

Classification

Strict

Severity

Why this classification

Primary residence required
Owner-occupied required
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
Safety standards required
No night cap
Low permit fee

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$50

Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Residential rentals MUST be owner-occupied (ASTR class).
2Special Exception approval from the ZBA is required for all residential zone STRs, which involves a public hearing.
3Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
4One off-street parking space is required per rental unit regardless of size.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Nashua requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: For Accessory Short-Term Rentals in residential zones, the property must be the owner's principal residence.
Nashua: Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Nashua does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements13 rules

Nashua: One off-street parking space is required per rental unit regardless of size.

Application process9 rules

Nashua STR permit - Step 2: Apply for Special Exception (Residential Only). If in a residential zone (R-40 through R-C), apply for a Special Exception for an 'Accessory Short-Term Rental' through the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Required documents: Special Exception Application, Proof of Primary Residence, Abutters list. Time: 4-6 weeks. Cost: 125.

Fees & costs1 rule

Nashua charges a registration fee of $50 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $125 (Zoning Board Special Exception fee for residential applications).

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Nashua occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Nashua limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
Nashua enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.
Nashua limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2

Safety requirements1 rule

Nashua requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress plan required, Life safety code compliance, Off-street parking plan.

Penalties2 rules

Nashua: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Nashua enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of violation. Second offense: Varies by daily fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $275-$550. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Nashua exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.
Nashua: 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 Nashua

0/5

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning District

Consult the Nashua Zoning Map to determine if your property is in a residential or commercial district.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Apply for Special Exception (Residential Only)

If in a residential zone (R-40 through R-C), apply for a Special Exception for an 'Accessory Short-Term Rental' through the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

4-6 weeks$125

Documents needed

Special Exception Application
Proof of Primary Residence
Abutters list

Official resource

Step 3

Obtain NH Rooms and Meals Tax License

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

SSN or EIN

Official resource

Step 4

Submit Short-Term Rental License Application

Apply for the annual city license with the Community Development Division.

2 weeks$50

Documents needed

Floor plan
Insurance proof
Parking plan

Official resource

Step 5

Schedule Fire Safety Inspection

Once the application is received, schedule an inspection with Building Safety/Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with life safety codes.

1 weekFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning District

Apply for Special Exception (Residential Only)

Obtain NH Rooms and Meals Tax License

Submit Short-Term Rental License Application

Schedule Fire Safety Inspection

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Nashua?

3Are there specific parking requirements for Nashua rentals?

4What are the zoning restrictions for Nashua hosts?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning District

Apply for Special Exception (Residential Only)

Obtain NH Rooms and Meals Tax License

Submit Short-Term Rental License Application

Schedule Fire Safety Inspection

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Nashua?

3Are there specific parking requirements for Nashua rentals?

4What are the zoning restrictions for Nashua hosts?

Disclaimer