Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Allston, MA?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Allston, MA, but with significant restrictions and requirements.

Short-term rentals in Allston are subject to Boston's short-term rental ordinance, which allows STRs in owner-occupied properties only. Allston, as a neighborhood within the City of Boston, follows the same regulations as the rest of the city. The Boston STR program permits renting residential units for fewer than 28 consecutive days for a fee, but only in owner-occupied condominiums, single-family, two-family, and three-family buildings. For multi-family buildings, the owner-occupant must own all units in the property.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Allston, MA

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, verify that your property meets Boston's strict eligibility criteria:

• Primary Residence Requirement: The property must be your primary residence where you live at least 9 months out of every 12-month period
• Property Type: Must be a single-family home, condominium, or unit in a 2-3 family building where you own all units
• No Affordability Covenants: Property cannot be below market rate, income-restricted, or subject to rental assistance programs
• Compliance History: No more than 3 violations in a 6-month period of city ordinances or state laws related to STR operations, noise, trash disposal, or disorderly conduct
• Not in "Problem Property": Property cannot be designated as a problem property under Boston municipal codes

Step 2: Choose Your STR Category

Boston recognizes three distinct types of short-term rentals:

Limited Share Units

• Rent a private bedroom in your primary residence while you remain present
• Annual fee: $25
• Occupancy: 3 guest bedrooms or 6 guests maximum
• No annual day limits

Home Share Units

• Rent your entire primary residence while you're away
• Annual fee: $200
• Occupancy: 5 bedrooms or 10 guests maximum
• Can operate up to 365 days per year

Owner-Adjacent Units

• Rent a full unit in a 2-3 family property where you occupy another unit
• Annual fee: $200
• Can operate up to 365 days per year
• Must own all units in the building

Step 3: Apply for Registration

Use Boston's online registration portal or apply in person at Inspectional Services. Registration must be renewed annually.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Registration Documents

To prove primary residence status, provide at least two of the following:

• Proof of residential exemption
• Utility bill (gas, electric, oil, or water) showing service and mailing addresses
• Voter registration certificate from City Hall Elections Department
• Motor vehicle registration
• Deed
• Driver's license or state-issued identification

Business Certificate

After paying registration fees, obtain a business certificate from the City Clerk's office:

• Application fee: $35 for Massachusetts residents ($65 for non-residents)
• Valid for 4 years
• Must be renewed upon STR license renewal

Additional Requirements

• Contact Information: Provide details for a local contact who can respond to issues within 2 hours
• Safety Compliance: Post signage indicating locations of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and pull fire alarms
• Neighbor Notification: Notify all residential dwellings within 300 feet within 30 days of receiving your STR license

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy and Safety Limits

• Limited Share: Maximum 3 guest bedrooms or 6 guests
• Home Share: Maximum 5 bedrooms or 10 guests
• Safety equipment required: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers
• Quiet hours: 10 PM to 7 AM city-wide noise ordinances apply

Operational Restrictions

• Single Whole Unit Rule: You may only offer one whole unit at a time
• Registration Numbers: Must be included on all listings
• Response Time: Contact person must respond to complaints within 2 hours
• Annual Renewal: Licenses do not transfer with property sales

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts and Boston impose multiple taxes on STRs:

• State Excise Tax: 5.7%
• Boston City Excise Tax: 6.5%
• Convention Center Fee: 2.75%
• Community Impact Fee: Up to 3%
• Total Tax Rate: Up to 17.95% on all stays under 28 days

Exemptions

The following are not considered short-term rentals:

• Stays of 28 consecutive days or longer
• Contracts with hospitals, government entities, or nonprofits for legitimate medical/government use
• Furnished institutional or business stays with minimum 10-day contracts with corporate housing operators

Contact Information for Local Authority

Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD)

Primary Contact for STR Registration and Compliance

• Phone: 617-635-5300
• Email: shorttermrentals@boston.gov
• Address:
  • ISD Housing Division
  • 1010 Massachusetts Ave
  • Boston, MA 02118
• Online Registration: Boston STR Registration Portal

Additional Useful Contacts

• Boston 311 (Non-emergency): 311 or 617-635-4500
• Boston Licensing Board: For lodging house and bed & breakfast licensing
• Massachusetts Department of Revenue: For state tax registration at mtc.dor.state.ma.us

Source Pages

1. Boston Official STR Program: https://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/short-term-rentals

2. Massachusetts STR Laws Overview: https://www.redawning.com/pm/post/massachusetts-short-term-rental-laws

3. Airbnb Boston Host Guide: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/859

4. Boston STR Legal Analysis: https://www.meeb.com/marcus-errico-emmer-brooks-pc-3/legal-alets/boston-adds-to-growing-body-of-restrictions-on-short-term-rentals

5. Massachusetts STR Insurance Requirements: https://www.proper.insure/regulations/airbnb-laws-massachusetts/

6. Boston STR Eligibility Tool: https://data.boston.gov/dataset/short-term-rental-eligibility/resource/83621b97-9a00-4aa7-bf43-28cae04969d4

7. Boston Zoning Code: http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/zoning

8. Massachusetts Room Occupancy Tax Guide: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/room-occupancy-excise-tax

Important Note: STR regulations in Boston and Massachusetts are actively evolving. Always verify current requirements with official city and state sources before making investment decisions or beginning operations.