Springfield, Massachusetts Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Residential units offered as short-term rental shall either be home-share, limited share, or owner-adjacent units. 

• Home Share Units - A residential unit offered as a short-term rental that is the operator's primary residence.
• Limited Share Units - A residential unit that is the operator's primary residence, a portion of which is offered as a short-term rental while the operator is present. One bedroom must be reserved for the operator.
• Owner-Adjacent Units - A residential unit offered as a short-term rental that is not the owner's primary residence but that is located within the same dwelling as the primary residence of, and is owned by, said owner; provided that owner-adjacent units used as short-term rentals shall only be allowed in two-family or three-family dwellings, where all units are owned by the same unique owner-occupant, who serves as the operator.

A short-term rental residential unit must be rented to only one party of short-term renters at a time, not as separate bedrooms, beds, or spaces for different parties. A short-term rental residential unit is limited to eight guests altogether, or two guests per guest bedroom total, whichever is less. A short-term rental of more than four bedrooms is not permitted. Short-term rental of an unoccupied residential unit. Short-term rentals shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 90 consecutive or nonconsecutive calendar days per year when the operator is not occupying the residential unit during the entire term of the short-term rental.

View the City of Springfield Short Term Rentals for more information. 

Business License Requirements

All residential units utilized as short-term rentals shall be required to register with the City of Springfield's Code Enforcement Department before commencing said use.  Contact Building Code Enforcement for more information. 

Building and Housing Standards

The city of Springfield has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Contact Building Code Enforcement for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

A residential unit is also subject to the room occupancy excise. Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the state and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by state and county law.

Other 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 CIty of Springfield for more information.