What zoning rules apply to STRs in Manchester?

Short-term rentals in R-1A and R-1B residential zones are strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences.

What should Manchester hosts know about a certificate of compliance is?

A Certificate of Compliance is mandatory for all rental units, and failure to have one is a high-priority enforcement item.

What should Manchester hosts know about the 8.5% state tax applies?

The 8.5% state tax applies to all stays under 185 days.

Manchester

Strict

STRs Allowed

New HampshireLast updated: February 10, 2026

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Verified: Feb 10, 2026

Summary

Manchester requires all short-term rentals to register with the Planning Department and obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the Code Enforcement Division.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 73 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Manchester, you must register your property with the city and pass a mandatory safety inspection to get a Certificate of Compliance. You are also required to register with the state to collect and pay the 8.5% Meals and Rooms tax. Most residential zones require the property to be the owner's primary residence.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Manchester prohibits STRs in the following property types: Commercial lodging (without commercial zoning), Non-residential structures.
•Manchester requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Required for rentals in R-1A and R-1B districts; owner must live on-site.

Requirements(10)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Manchester: 1. Short-term rentals in R-1A and R-1B residential zones are strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences. 2. A Certificate of Compliance is mandatory for all rental units, and failure to have one is a high-priority enforcement item. 3. The 8.5% state tax applies to all stays under 185 days.

Application Process(8)

•Manchester STR permit - Step 2: Apply for Certificate of Compliance. Submit application to the Building Department/Code Enforcement for a housing safety inspection. Required documents: Application Form, Owner Contact Information. Time: 2 weeks. Cost: 75.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Manchester charges a registration fee of $100 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $75 (Certificate of Compliance fee ($25 application + $50 inspection)).

Taxes(2)

•New Hampshire has a state sales tax of 0.085% that applies to STR rentals.
•Manchester: The 8.5% state tax applies to all stays under 185 days.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Manchester: Short-term rentals in R-1A and R-1B residential zones are strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences.
•Manchester limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Manchester occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10 total. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Manchester requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Hard-wired smoke detectors required for COC, Egress windows in all bedrooms, GFCI outlets in bathrooms/kitchens.

Penalties(2)

•Manchester: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Manchester enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $275 fine. Second offense: $275 per day. Third offense: Legal action/Injunction. Daily fine: $275 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

New Hampshire

Moderate

The Town of Conway requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to obtain an annual permit and pass a life safety inspection. The town enforces strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count and requires proof of a New Hampshire Meals and Rentals Tax License.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Franconia

New Hampshire

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Franconia are strictly regulated by an ordinance adopted in 2020. Hosts must obtain an annual permit from the town, pay a $250 fee, and ensure the property complies with specific safety and occupancy standards. There is no local tax, but hosts must register with the state for the 8.5% Meals and Rentals tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Nashua

New Hampshire

Strict

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.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Hanover

New Hampshire

Prohibited

The Town of Hanover permits short-term rentals (STRs) as an accessory use to owner-occupied residential properties, requiring a special exception and biennial registration.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Manchester

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

Franconia

Nashua

Hanover

Manchester

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 Manchester?

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

3Are there residency requirements for Manchester hosts?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Manchester?

Related Content

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

Franconia

Nashua

Hanover