Andover, Massachusetts Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

OVERVIEW: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Andover?

No. Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in Andover, Massachusetts.

This prohibition was confirmed by legal precedent when the Essex Superior Court dismissed a lawsuit challenging Andover's zoning enforcement against short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) in November 2022. The town's building inspector issued a cease-and-desist order after receiving complaints about a homeowner offering short-term rentals, which were determined to be not allowed under Andover zoning laws. The Andover Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the building inspector's decision, and the court dismissal effectively maintains this prohibition.

Important Implications for STR Investors:

Traditional STR models (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) are not viable in Andover
The town takes enforcement action based on complaints, but will uphold zoning violations
Even if not actively enforced, operating an STR in Andover carries significant legal risk
Property investors should consider long-term rental alternatives or explore nearby communities with STR-friendly regulations

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Andover?

Andover hosts earn a median $33,359/year with $211 ADR and 56% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $52,405+ per year.

See the full Andover market breakdown

How to Start a Rental Business in This Market

Given the STR prohibition, investors have limited legal options in Andover:

Option 1: Long-Term Rental Market

Focus on traditional leasing (12-month terms or longer)
Target professional demographics, families, or graduate students
Andover's proximity to Boston and major universities (Merrimack Valley area) creates steady demand for quality long-term housing

Option 2: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Long-Term Only

While Andover allows ADUs in single-family zoning districts (SRA, SRB, SRC), the town may impose restrictions on short-term rentals. Given the general prohibition, assume STR restrictions apply to ADUs as well. ADUs should be planned for long-term rental use only.

Option 3: Explore Nearby Communities

Consider investing in neighboring towns with STR-friendly regulations. Merrimack Valley communities have varying approaches - some allow STRs with regulations while others prohibit them entirely.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Long-Term Rentals:

Business Certificate from Town Clerk (requires prior Zoning Verification Letter from Building Division)
Compliance with Massachusetts landlord-tenant laws
Proper lease agreements meeting state requirements
Property insurance appropriate for rental property

For ADUs (if pursuing long-term rental):

Building Permit through Andover's Online Permit Center
Site Plan Review (as applicable)
Compliance with ADU requirements:
- Separate entrance meeting state building code egress requirements
- Maximum size: lesser of 900 sq ft or ½ gross floor area of principal dwelling
- Compliance with local dimensional setbacks and bulk/height restrictions
Zoning Verification Letter may be required

Key Contacts and Resources:

Building Division:

Phone: 978-623-8620
Email: building@andoverma.gov
Building Commissioner: Chris Clemente

Online Permit Center: andoverma.gov/410/Online-Permit-Center

Town Clerk (Business Certificates):

Phone: 978-623-8200

Specific Regulations

Andover (Town-Level) STR Regulations:

Prohibition: Short-term rentals (rentals 30 days or shorter) are prohibited
Enforcement: Based on complaints; cease-and-desist orders issued for violations
Legal Precedent: Essex Superior Court upheld prohibition in 2022
ADU Restrictions: While ADUs are allowed as-of-right in single-family zoning, Andover may impose reasonable restrictions, including short-term rental prohibitions

Massachusetts (State-Level) STR Regulations:

State-Level Requirements (effective July 1, 2023):

Registration: STR operators must register with the state
Taxation: State excise tax, local room tax, and meals tax applicable
Impact Fees: Communities may impose impact fees
Requirements: Taxation, registration, and impact fees for short-term rentals

Note: Even with state-level allowances, Andover's local prohibition supersedes these rights.

Essex County-Level Regulations:

No specific county-level STR regulations identified that would override Andover's local prohibition.

Contact Information

Primary Authority - Building Division:

Chris Clemente, Building Commissioner

Phone: 978-623-8620
Email: building@andoverma.gov
Department Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Inspector Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Zoning Board of Appeals:

Handles appeals and variances
May be involved in STR enforcement appeals

Town Contact:

Town of Andover
36 Bartlet Street, Andover, MA 01810
Phone: 978-623-8200
Website: andoverma.gov/

Key Source Links

Legal/Regulatory Sources:

Court Upholds Andover Prohibition On AirBNB's: Select Board Notebook - Andover News
Zoning board bars one Airbnb, while others remain - Andover Townsman

Building/Permitting Sources:

Andover Building Division - Official Town Website
Online Permit Center - Official Town Website

ADU/Single-Family Rental Sources:

ADU Informational Session Presentation - Official Town Document
What the new ADU law means for Andover - Andover Community Trust

General Massachusetts STR Context:

What Do You Need To Know As A First Time AirBnb Host - Kevin Vitali Real Estate

Investment Recommendations

Given Andover's explicit prohibition on short-term rentals, serious STR investors should:

Avoid Andover properties if the business model relies on short-term rentals
Consider long-term rental strategies in Andover, focusing on quality properties in good school districts
Explore nearby communities with STR-friendly regulations while maintaining proximity to Andover's amenities
Engage with local real estate professionals who understand the Merrimack Valley market dynamics
Monitor legislative changes as state-level ADU laws continue to evolve

The Andover market remains attractive for traditional real estate investment due to its proximity to Boston, strong school system, and established professional community, but it is not suitable for short-term rental business models as currently structured.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Andover

Andover is a well-established suburban town in Essex County, in the northeastern part of Massachusetts. It has a population of roughly 38,000 residents and carries a distinct New England character defined by tree-lined streets, historic brick buildings, and a well-preserved 19th-century town center. Best known as the home of Phillips Academy, one of the country's most prestigious preparatory schools, Andover also serves as a gateway to the broader Merrimack Valley region. The town sits approximately 25 miles north of Boston, a drive that typically takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic, and it lies within easy reach of the North Shore beaches and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

For art lovers and history enthusiasts, the Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus is a notable draw. Housed within the same school that has educated numerous American luminaries, the museum holds an extensive collection of American paintings, photography, and sculpture, and admission is free to the public. It sits right in the heart of town, just a short walk from the central square.

Outdoor recreation is well within reach at Harold Parker State Forest, which covers more than 3,000 acres of woodlands, ponds, and hiking trails only a few miles north of the town center. The forest offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping, making it a year-round draw for visitors who want to experience classic New England woods without venturing far from urban amenities.

For those interested in local history, the Andover Historical Society maintains collections and walking tours that highlight the town's colonial past, including its role in the years leading up to the American Revolution. The Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, also on the Phillips Academy campus, offers a thoughtful look at Indigenous archaeology of the Americas and is a smaller, quieter complement to the Addison.

Andover's appeal as a short-term-rental base rests on a rare combination: a quiet, well-kept suburban setting with the cultural depth of a long-established town, easy access to Boston and the North Shore, and immediate entry points to forests, rivers, and the historic mill communities of the Merrimack Valley. Visitors who arrive for school events, weddings, reunions, or simply as a comfortable base for exploring greater Boston and northern Massachusetts find a town that is at once restful and full of things to do.