Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Brighton, Massachusetts?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Brighton, Massachusetts. Brighton is a neighborhood within the City of Boston, and therefore all Boston short-term rental regulations apply to properties in Brighton. Under Boston's Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance, short-term rentals are permitted for residential units rented for fewer than 28 consecutive days, provided the property meets specific eligibility criteria and the owner complies with all registration and operational requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Brighton

Starting a short-term rental business in Brighton follows the same process as in any Boston neighborhood:

Step 1: Determine Your STR Category

Boston recognizes three types of short-term rentals:

• Limited Share Unit: Rent a private bedroom in your primary residence while you are present
• Home Share Unit: Rent your entire primary residence while you're away
• Owner-Adjacent Unit: Rent one full unit in the same two- or three-unit property as your primary residence

Step 2: Verify Eligibility

Before applying, confirm your property meets all eligibility criteria:

• Property must be your primary residence (you live there 9+ months per year)
• Property cannot be restricted by affordability covenants
• Must be in compliance with housing laws and codes
• Cannot be located in a "Problem Property"
• Must be classified as residential use (excludes hotels, motels, etc.)

Step 3: Complete Registration Process

1. Register your unit through Boston's online portal
2. Pay applicable registration fees
3. Obtain a business certificate through the City Clerk's office
4. Include registration number on all listings

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Registration Documents

You must provide two of the following to prove primary residence:

• Proof of residential exemption
• Utility bill (gas, electric, oil, or water)
• Voter registration (certificate from Elections Department)
• Motor vehicle registration
• Deed
• Driver's license or state-issued identification

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Registration (annual renewal required)

   • Limited Share: $25 annually
   • Home Share: $200 annually
   • Owner-Adjacent: $200 annually

2. Business Certificate (through City Clerk's office)

   • Fee: $65 for non-Massachusetts residents, $35 for Massachusetts residents
   • Valid for 4 years
   • Must be renewed every 4 years

Safety and Operational Guidelines

• Post safety information inside the unit showing locations of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and pull fire alarms
• Maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000
• Include registration number on all listings
• Notify abutters within 300 feet within 30 days of license issuance
• Comply with occupancy limits based on unit type

Specific Regulations for Brighton (Boston) STRs

Occupancy Limits

• Limited Share Units: Maximum 3 guest bedrooms or 6 guests (whichever is fewer)
• Home Share Units: Maximum 5 guest bedrooms or 10 guests (whichever is fewer)

Rental Restrictions

• Stays of 28 consecutive days or longer are not considered short-term rentals
• Only one whole unit can be rented at a time
• Cannot rent both a home share unit and an owner-adjacent unit simultaneously when away

Tax Obligations

Combined tax rate of up to 17.95% applies to all stays under 28 days:

• State Excise Tax (5.7%)
• City Excise Tax (6.5%)
• Convention Center Fee (2.75%)
• Community Impact Fee (up to 3%)

Exemptions

Units with contracts for:

• Hospital stays with healthcare facilities, government entities, or nonprofits
• Furnished institutional/business stays (minimum 10 days with corporate housing operator contracts)

Prohibited Properties

• Below market rate or income-restricted units
• Units with affordability covenants
• Properties with 3+ violations in 6 months (related to STR ordinance, noise, trash, disorderly conduct)
• Properties in "Problem Property" designation
• Congregate living complexes, elderly housing, group residences, homeless shelters, orphanages

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD)

• Phone: 617-635-5300
• Email: shorttermrentals@boston.gov
• Address: ISD Housing Division, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
• Website: www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/short-term-rentals
• Online Registration Portal: onlinepermitsandlicenses.boston.gov/isd/ShortTermRental/

Links to Source Pages

1. Boston Short-Term Rentals Main Page: www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/short-term-rentals
2. Short-Term Rental Registration Portal: onlinepermitsandlicenses.boston.gov/isd/ShortTermRental/
3. Boston Short-Term Rental Ordinance: www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/document-file-08-2018/short-term_rental_ordinance.pdf
4. STR Eligibility Tool: data.boston.gov/dataset/short-term-rental-eligibility/resource/83621b97-9a00-4aa7-bf43-28cae04969d4
5. Business Certificate Application: www.boston.gov/departments/city-clerk/how-apply-business-certificate
6. Boston Zoning Code: www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/zoning
7. Massachusetts Room Occupancy Tax Guide: www.mass.gov/info-details/room-occupancy-excise-tax

This guide is based on current regulations as of the provided sources. STR laws are subject to change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Boston before proceeding with any STR operations.