Somerville, MA local landlord rules

Short-term rentals (Airbnb)

Yes. Short-term rentals need a certificate of registration from Inspectional Services before operating. The unit must be the operator's primary residence (lived in 9 of 12 months). Only one party may rent at a time. Guests are capped at 10, or 2 per guest bedroom, whichever is fewer. A unit may have only one listing per booking agent.

Verified Source: Somerville Code ch. 7, art. X, §§ 7-251, 7-253, 7-254 (Browser transcription) · last checked 2026-10-15