Massena, New York Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Massena, NY?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Massena, NY. However, it is important to understand that the Village of Massena treats short-term rentals differently from traditional long-term rentals. According to Chapter 291 of the Village Code, units utilized as Airbnb, VRBO, or other forms of short-term rental are explicitly excluded from the rental property registration requirements that apply to traditional rental properties.

This exclusion means that while traditional rental properties must register annually with the Village and comply with inspection requirements for buildings with three or more dwelling units, short-term rental properties are not subject to these same registration and inspection mandates under the current Village code.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Massena?

Massena hosts earn a median $19,168/year with $138 ADR and 51% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $29,294+ per year.

See the full Massena market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Massena

Initial Steps

Property Selection: Choose a property located within Massena's boundaries (both Village and Town jurisdictions)
Zoning Compliance: Verify that short-term rental use is permitted in your property's zoning district
Business Planning: Develop a business plan including projected revenue, operational costs, and target market

Operational Considerations

Listing Platforms: Register with popular platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or other short-term rental platforms
Marketing: Develop marketing materials highlighting local attractions and amenities
Guest Services: Establish clear check-in procedures, house rules, and guest communication protocols
Maintenance: Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules between guests

Financial Planning

Tax Implications: Consult with local tax professionals regarding sales tax requirements and income tax obligations
Insurance: Obtain appropriate business liability insurance and property insurance
Banking: Establish separate business banking accounts for STR operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Regulatory Status

Based on the available information from Village meeting minutes, there are no specific permits, licenses, or registration requirements currently mandated for short-term rental properties in Massena, NY. This is evidenced by the explicit exclusion of STR units from the Village's rental property registration requirements.

Building Code Compliance

Properties must comply with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention, Building Code and Property Maintenance Code requirements, including:

Functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Adequate egress routes
Electrical and heating system safety
Structural soundness

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Village of Massena Regulations

Rental Property Registration (Chapter 291)

Exemption: Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) are explicitly excluded from rental property registration requirements
Traditional Rentals Only: The registration, inspection, and certification requirements apply only to traditional long-term rental properties
No Special STR Requirements: Currently, there are no Village-specific regulations mandating registration, permits, or inspections for short-term rental properties

Cannabis Regulations (Chapter 125)

While not directly related to STRs, the Village has opted out of on-site cannabis consumption establishments
STR operators should be aware that smoking cannabis in STR properties may be subject to local restrictions

St. Lawrence County Regulations

No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content.

New York State Regulations

Given the absence of specific city regulations, New York State laws apply to short-term rental operations:

General Business Requirements

Sales Tax: STR operators may be required to collect and remit New York State sales tax
Hotel Room Occupancy Tax: Local bed taxes may apply (check with St. Lawrence County)
Business Registration: General business registration requirements may apply
Fire Safety: Compliance with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Safety and Health Requirements

Building Safety: Compliance with NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
Health Regulations: Compliance with local health department requirements
Accessibility: Potential ADA compliance requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Massena

Phone: (315) 769-8625
Fax: (315) 769-0257
Address: 60 Main Street, Town Hall, Massena, NY 13662
Website: massena.us

Town of Massena

Phone: (315) 769-3588
Fax: (315) 769-0578
Address: 60 Main Street, Town Hall, Massena, NY 13662
Website: massena.us

Code Enforcement

The Village Code Enforcement Office handles building codes and rental property regulations:

Contact: Code Enforcement Office (Village)
Related to: Building permits, rental certificates for traditional rentals (not STRs)

St. Lawrence County

For county-level permits and regulations:

Website: stlawco.org
Contact: County offices for building permits and tax information

Links to Source Pages

Village of Massena Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - October 17, 2023 - Contains Chapter 291 Rental Property Registration details and STR exclusion
Massena Town News Flash - March 31, 2025 - References short-term rental regulations webinar attendance

Important Notes for STR Investors

Regulatory Landscape

Limited Local Restrictions: Currently, Massena has not implemented specific short-term rental regulations
Traditional Rental Focus: Local regulations focus primarily on traditional long-term rental properties
Evolving Environment: The mention of STR regulations in supervisor webinars suggests potential future regulatory development

Risk Considerations

Future Regulations: STR regulations could be implemented in the future, affecting operations
Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable tax requirements
Insurance Gaps: Verify adequate coverage for STR operations
Building Code Compliance: Ensure all properties meet safety standards

Best Practices

Good Neighbor Relations: Maintain positive relationships with neighbors
Property Standards: Maintain high property standards to avoid complaints
Regulatory Monitoring: Stay informed about potential future regulations
Professional Consultation: Work with local attorneys and accountants familiar with STR regulations

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the available information from the provided sources. STR regulations can change frequently, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Massena

Massena is a town in St. Lawrence County in far northern New York, sitting on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River directly across from Ontario, Canada. With a population of roughly 12,000 to 13,000 residents, it has the feel of a compact, working river town with a long industrial heritage tied to the aluminum industry and the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the mid-twentieth century. Today, Massena serves as a regional crossroads for travelers exploring the river, the seaway locks, the surrounding North Country, and the Canadian borderlands. The nearest major American city is Syracuse, located about 130 miles to the south and roughly a two-and-a-half- to three-hour drive, while Ottawa and Montreal both lie within a couple of hours north across the international border.

A short drive east of the village, Robert Moses State Park occupies part of Barnhart Island at the foot of the Wiley-Dondero Ship Canal, just off the main Massena exit. The park offers shoreline campsites, picnic areas, a small beach, and walking paths with views of passing freighters, and it sits within about ten to fifteen minutes of most points in Massena.

Just downriver from the park, the Eisenhower Lock is one of two US locks that lift oceangoing vessels between Lake Ontario and the higher reaches of the St. Lawrence Seaway. A public observation area near the lock lets visitors watch large carriers being raised and lowered through the canal, making it one of the most popular stops in the area and an easy ten-minute drive from downtown Massena.

Sharing the same stretch of water, the Robert Moses–Robert H. Saunders Power Dam is a major binational hydroelectric facility straddling the US–Canada border. The adjacent Hawkins Point visitor area, about fifteen minutes from the village, includes a small museum and viewing platforms overlooking the powerhouse and the international boundary, with the city of Cornwall, Ontario, visible on the opposite shore.

To the west, the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation of Akwesasne wraps around Massena on the US side and extends into Canada. The community operates the Akwesasne Cultural Center in nearby Hogansburg, roughly a twenty-minute drive from town, where exhibits and programs introduce visitors to Mohawk language, art, and history.

Massena appeals to short-term rental owners because it sits at a genuine meeting point of the Adirondack North Country, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Canada–US border. Visitors arrive year-round for the locks, the river, cross-border shopping, and the parks, giving the town a steady, varied draw that rewards both weekend and longer stays.

Massena, New York

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STR Regulations for Massena, New York