Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Beverly, MA

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: There is conflicting information in available sources regarding Beverly's current short-term rental regulations.

According to a Patch.com article from April 8, 2025, Beverly currently has a ban on short-term rentals. The article explicitly states that Beverly's bylaw prohibits rentals of less than 28 days to anyone other than licensed lodging houses (such as hotels). However, other sources suggest that short-term rentals are operating in Beverly, indicating potential enforcement challenges or outdated information.

This situation is evolving, as the Beverly City Council voted to form a special committee to review the ban due to enforcement difficulties and consider allowing short-term rentals or improving enforcement of existing restrictions.

Given the conflicting information, investors should contact Beverly city authorities directly to confirm the current legal status before proceeding with any short-term rental investment.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Beverly

Step 1: Determine Legal Eligibility

• Contact the City Clerk's Office, Planning Department, and Inspections Department to confirm current regulations
• Note: If the ban remains in effect, short-term rentals under 28 days are prohibited except for licensed lodging establishments

Step 2: Legal Structure (If Permitted)

Based on Massachusetts state requirements and other city examples, you would likely need to:

• Register as a business entity
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses
• Comply with tax obligations
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage

Step 3: Property Preparation

• Ensure compliance with all safety codes
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)
• Prepare property for inspections

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Status Considerations

If the ban is still in effect:

• No short-term rental licenses available for non-lodging establishments
• Only licensed lodging houses (hotels, motels) can operate rentals under 28 days

If regulations change in the future, typical requirements may include:

Registration and Licensing

• Short-Term Rental Operator License from the city
• Business certificate registration
• Annual renewal requirements

Safety and Compliance

• Safety inspection certificate
• Proof of insurance (minimum liability coverage)
• Compliance with fire safety codes
• Occupancy permits

Tax Registration

• State tax registration for lodging taxes
• Local tax compliance

Specific Regulations for Beverly, MA

Current Ban Details (According to Patch.com, April 2025)

• Prohibited: Rentals less than 28 days except for licensed lodging houses
• Enforcement: Described as "very difficult to enforce"
• Review Status: Under consideration by special committee

Zoning Considerations

According to Beverly's zoning ordinance documents:

• Transient Lodging is defined as "temporary sleeping accommodations, occupancy, and/or stays for a period of fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days for a fee"
• Bed and Breakfast Establishments are separately regulated (maximum 5 rooms, maximum 8 persons, term less than 8 days, owner must reside on premises)
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed by-right in most single-family districts with owner-occupancy requirements

Potential Future Regulations (If Ban Is Lifted)

Based on Massachusetts state requirements and other municipal examples:

• Registration and licensing requirements
• Safety inspections
• Insurance requirements
• Tax collection obligations
• Occupancy limits
• Noise regulations
• Parking requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Beverly City Government

Planning and Community Development Department

• Address: 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
• Phone: (978) 921-6000
• Fax: (978) 921-6187
• Planning Director: Darlene Wynne, AICP - Phone: (978) 605-2341

City Council

• City Hall: 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
• Contact through City Clerk's Office at main number

Building Department/Inspections

• Contact through main city number: (978) 921-6000

Mayor Michael P. Cahill

• Contact through main city number: (978) 921-6000

Recommended Contacts for STR Inquiries

1. City Clerk's Office - for licensing and registration information
2. Planning Department - for zoning compliance
3. Building/Inspections Department - for safety requirements
4. City Council Offices - for policy questions

Source Links

Primary Sources

1. Patch.com - Beverly Ban To Be Reviewed After Being Deemed 'Difficult To Enforce' - Latest status update on Beverly's STR ban
2. City of Beverly Zoning Ordinance Amendments Document - Official city zoning regulations

Secondary Sources (Note: Contradictory information)

3. RedAwning - Beverly Market Overview - Claims lenient regulations and active STR market
4. Sterling Insurance - New Airbnb & Short Term Rental Laws - Massachusetts state-level requirements
5. Proper Insurance - Massachusetts Airbnb Laws - State-wide regulatory information

Important Disclaimer

The conflicting information in available sources creates significant uncertainty for potential investors. While one source (Patch.com) indicates Beverly has an active ban on short-term rentals, another source (RedAwning) describes an active market with specific regulations. This discrepancy suggests either:

1. The ban is not being effectively enforced
2. Regulations have changed recently
3. One or more sources contain outdated information

Action Required: Before making any investment decisions, contact Beverly city authorities directly to confirm the current legal status and requirements for short-term rentals in Beverly, Massachusetts.