Chatham 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 Chatham, MA. It's an editorial summary, not legal advice — confirm specifics with town hall or a local attorney before listing a property.
Registration & Permits
Chatham requires annual STR registration with the Health Department plus a self-certification checklist. First-time rentals need an in-person inspection.
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 limits set by septic capacity (Title 5). Most 3-bedroom homes are limited to 6 occupants regardless of bed count.
Enforcement
Moderate-high. Chatham cross-checks listing sites quarterly and has issued cease-and-desist letters to unregistered operators.
Buying a Chatham STR investment?
CapeIntel analyzes every active Chatham listing for projected STR revenue, cash-on-cash return, flood risk, and walking distances. See what's on the market and which properties pencil.