Nantucket 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 Nantucket, MA. It's an editorial summary, not legal advice — confirm specifics with town hall or a local attorney before listing a property.
Registration & Permits
Nantucket requires registration with the Health Department and a health/safety inspection. A 2024 zoning bylaw change restricts STRs in certain residential zones — check parcel-specific rules before buying.
Taxes & Fees
5.7% state + 6% local + 2.75% C&I Water Protection Fund + 3% Nantucket-specific community impact fee on professionally-managed units = up to ~17.45% total.
Occupancy & Density Caps
Septic-based occupancy limits are strictly enforced. New-construction STRs face additional zoning constraints as of 2024.
Enforcement
Very high. Nantucket has the most restrictive STR climate in the region and ongoing litigation over allowed uses. Verify with a local attorney before purchasing as an investment.
Buying a Nantucket STR investment?
CapeIntel analyzes every active Nantucket listing for projected STR revenue, cash-on-cash return, flood risk, and walking distances. See what's on the market and which properties pencil.