Dennis, Massachusetts Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Dennis Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rentals are allowed in the town of Dennis.Business License Requirements
Any owner and/or agent who shall offer for rent or lease any building or portion thereof to be used for habitation other than a licensed premise shall first register with the Health Department, who shall determine the number of persons said building or portion thereof could legally accommodate. Apply for Rental Occupancy License.Building and Housing Standards
Any building or portion thereof regulated by the Space & Use By-Law provisions shall have conspicuously posted on the premises a Certificate of Registration supplied by the Dennis Health Department, specifying the number of people assigned to occupy and/or use each dwelling. A Certificate of Registration shall be issued at the discretion of the Health Director and in accordance with regulations of the Sanitary Code of Massachusetts and the Town of Dennis Zoning Laws, that said building and/or premises comply with said codes. The owner and /or agent shall keep a record of the names and addresses of lessees and dates of occupancy, making this information available to the Town's regulatory agencies upon request.Additional Resources:
Tourist and Local Taxes
All short-term rental operators must register with the Department of Revenue through Mass Tax Connect, even if rentals do not exceed 14 days. No tax is paid if rented for 14 or a few days. See Short Term Rental Fact Sheet - Updated for more detailsOther Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Town of Dennis for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.4
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Competition
3.5 -
Real Estate Cost
4.8 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
2.5 -
Rental Rates
8.0
Dennis, Massachusetts Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 14,674
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Barnstable
- Airports
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA)
Want to learn more about Dennis?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Dennis rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Dennis rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Dennis.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Dennis guests.
Interested in other Massachusetts cities?
Check out the Massachusetts Airbnb rules directory
What makes Dennis a great place to invest?
- Charming Cape Cod atmosphere: As a quintessential Cape Cod town, Dennis, Massachusetts, offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, complete with picturesque scenery and a laid-back atmosphere. The town's charming streets are lined with beautifully preserved historic homes, and its friendly locals are always ready to make you feel welcome.
- Beaches for every taste: Dennis boasts an impressive 16 public beaches, providing ample opportunities to relax on the sandy shores or take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Choose from the calm waters of bayside beaches like Mayflower Beach, perfect for families and beachcombers, or embrace the waves at the ocean-facing West Dennis Beach, a hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts.
- Outdoor activities and natural parks: Dennis is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering a wide range of activities to suit every taste. Hike the numerous trails of Crowes Pasture Conservation Area, or take a peaceful kayak tour through the scenic Swan River. Enjoy birdwatching at Sesuit Neck, where you may spot migrating shorebirds, or explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
- Exceptional dining experiences: The town's thriving dining scene is sure to impress foodies, with a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and seafood shacks serving fresh, locally-sourced cuisine. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood dishes at the iconic Sesuit Harbor Café, or indulge in a farm-to-table experience at Fin. For dessert, don't miss the famous homemade ice cream at Sundae School.
- Entertainment and events: From community theater performances at the historic Cape Playhouse to lively music festivals, Dennis offers a vibrant calendar of events for visitors to enjoy. During the summer months, catch the Dennis Village Band Concerts on the Village Green, or attend the annual Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival. In the fall, celebrate the town's rich maritime history at the Dennis Festival Days, featuring live music, local artisans, and family-friendly activities.
Dennis Nearby Cities
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20 miles away
- Rating: 5.6
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23 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Dennis?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Dennis has increased 3% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $458, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$597,800
3% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$458
1% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,952
0% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Dennis
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Dennis, Massachusetts
Common terms for Dennis short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Dennis has a description approximately 1,606 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,795 listings in Dennis, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, Cape Cod, Outdoor, Cottage, Deck, Yard, Family, Perfect, Beautiful, and Cape.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Dennis?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Dennis involve Swimming, Whale Watching, Cycling, Sailing, and Boating. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Swimming
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Whale Watching
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Cycling
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Sailing
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Boating
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Beach
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Antiquing
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Museums
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Kayaking
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Wind Surfing
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Adventure Activities
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Marina
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Dennis, including Hyannis Harbor, Nauset Beach, Mayflower Beach, Craigville Beach, and West Dennis Beach. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Hyannis Harbor
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Mayflower Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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West Dennis Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Sandy Neck Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Seagull Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Craigville Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Cape Cod Inflatable Park
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Included on 68% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Harwich Port
Included on 41% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Ocean Edge Golf Club
Included on 37% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Nauset Beach
Included on 36% of listings
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Local Landmark
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John F. Kennedy Memorial
Included on 33% of listings
What’s the weather like in Dennis, Massachusetts?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 57°, while the average low is about 45°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 39 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 14 inches per year. The humidity levels in Dennis are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
27° Low 40° High
Spring
March through May
41° Low 53° High
Summer
June through August
63° Low 75° High
Fall
September through November
48° Low 61° High
Cities Near Dennis
Dennis, Massachusetts, is located in Barnstable County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
