Barnstable Short-Term Rental Rules
This page summarizes what a property owner needs to know to legally operate a short-term rental (Airbnb, VRBO, or direct bookings under 32 days) in Barnstable, MA. It's an editorial summary, not legal advice — confirm specifics with town hall or a local attorney before listing a property.
Registration & Permits
Barnstable requires a Short-Term Rental Registration with the town's Regulatory Services Division. Inspections are required before first rental and every three years thereafter.
Taxes & Fees
5.7% MA state room occupancy + local option tax (typically 6%) + 2.75% Cape & Islands Water Protection Fund. Total is usually ~14.45% collected from the guest.
Occupancy & Density Caps
Occupancy is capped at 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional (e.g., a 3-bedroom sleeps 8). No minimum stay requirement town-wide.
Enforcement
Moderate. Barnstable actively cross-references Airbnb/VRBO listings with its registry and issues fines for unregistered operators.
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