Holyoke, Massachusetts Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Holyoke, MA?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Holyoke, MA, but the city is currently in the process of establishing comprehensive regulations. As of the most recent city council meetings (March 2025), Holyoke has ordered the development of specific zoning ordinance amendments for short-term rentals, but these regulations are still pending final approval from the Planning Board. This means that while short-term rentals can operate, they exist in a regulatory gray area until the new ordinances are adopted.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Holyoke?

Holyoke hosts earn a median $27,970/year with $151 ADR and 65% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $31,721+ per year.

See the full Holyoke market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Holyoke

Current Process (While Awaiting Final Regulations)

Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm that your property is located in a zone that permits short-term rental activities
Monitor City Updates: Stay informed about the ongoing zoning ordinance amendments through city council meetings
Prepare Standard Requirements: While specific local rules are pending, prepare for common STR requirements

Recommended Preparation Steps

Property Assessment: Ensure your property meets basic housing and safety standards
Insurance Review: Verify your property insurance covers short-term rental activities
Documentation: Prepare essential documents such as property ownership proof, safety certificates, and emergency contact information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements

Based on available information, the following may be required once final regulations are adopted:

Registration/Licensing: Annual registration with the city (specific requirements pending)
Annual Inspections: Property safety and compliance inspections
Insurance Documentation: Proof of adequate liability coverage
Tax Registration: For collection and remittance of occupancy taxes

State-Level Requirements (Massachusetts)

According to Massachusetts law:

Room Occupancy Tax: 5.7% state excise tax on all rentals of 31 days or less
Local Option Excise Tax: Up to 6% local option tax (if adopted by Holyoke)
Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund: 2.75% excise tax (if applicable)

Specific Regulations by Level

City of Holyoke

Status: Regulations Under Development

The city council has formally ordered the development of short-term rental zoning amendments
Public hearings were held in 2023-2024: April 25, May 23, August 22, October 24, 2023, and January 23, 2024
Final regulations are pending Planning Board recommendation
Expected to include definitions, permit processes, and operational guidelines

Hampden County

No specific short-term rental regulations identified at the county level. County regulations would likely defer to municipal ordinances.

State of Massachusetts

Room Occupancy Tax Law:

Applies to all rentals of 31 days or less
5.7% state tax rate
Collection and remittance required by operators

Housing Standards:

Properties must comply with 105 CMR 410 (State Sanitary Code Chapter II)
Minimum standards for fitness for human habitation
Local health authorities enforce housing codes

Related Requirements:

Compliance with Massachusetts landlord-tenant laws
Adherence to consumer protection regulations (940 CMR 3.17)
Building and fire safety standards

Contact Information

Local Authority for STRs

City of Holyoke - City Council

Address: Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St, Room 10, Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: (413) 322-5525
Email: Anderson-BurgosJ@holyoke.org
Administrative Assistant: Jeffery Anderson-Burgos
Meeting Hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (meeting days)
Regular Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

City of Holyoke - General Contact

Phone: (413) 322-5510
Address: 536 Dwight Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday

Planning Department

Contact through City Hall for Planning Board recommendations
Responsible for finalizing STR zoning amendments

State Resources

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Housing code enforcement through Local Health Authorities
Website: mass.gov

Massachusetts Attorney General

Consumer protection guidance
Website: mass.gov

Source Links

Holyoke Ordinance Committee Meeting - March 19, 2025: www.holyoke.org/meetings/ordinance-committee-meeting-march-19-2025/
Holyoke Ordinance Committee Meeting - June 5, 2024: www.holyoke.org/meetings/ordinance-committee-meeting-june-5-2024/
Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law: www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-landlord-and-tenant
STR Market Information: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/holyoke-massachusetts

Important Notes for Investors

Regulatory Uncertainty: Holyoke's STR regulations are still in development, creating potential compliance uncertainty
Timeline Considerations: The regulatory process has been ongoing since March 2023, suggesting complex policy considerations
Grandfathering: Unknown whether existing STRs will be grandfathered under new regulations
Zoning Impact: Final regulations may restrict STRs to certain zones or require special permits
Enforcement: Until new ordinances are adopted, enforcement may be limited or unclear

Recommendation: Monitor city council meetings and engage with local officials to understand the regulatory timeline and prepare for compliance once final regulations are adopted.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Holyoke

Holyoke sits in Hampden County in western Massachusetts, along the west bank of the Connecticut River. With a population of roughly 40,000, it has the layered character of a former industrial city that is steadily reinventing its cultural and recreational identity. Long known for its paper mills and the dramatic canal system that once powered them, Holyoke today serves as a gateway to the broader Pioneer Valley and the lower Connecticut River corridor. It lies about 90 miles west of Boston and just a few miles north of Springfield, making it an easy day-trip hub for visitors exploring the region.

A good place to begin any visit is Heritage State Park, tucked into the heart of the city. The park anchors a stretch of redeveloped canal-side land and is home to the historic Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, a beautifully restored carousel that has become something of a symbol of the city's revival. It is a quick walk or short drive from anywhere in downtown Holyoke, and it pairs naturally with a stroll along the canal walkway.

Just north of the city, Mount Tom State Reservation rises above the river with miles of hiking trails, overlooks, and the old Mount Tom ski area, offering some of the most recognizable views in the Pioneer Valley. The drive from central Holyoke to the reservation's main entrances takes roughly ten to fifteen minutes, depending on which trailhead you choose, and the park is a favorite for visitors who want a half-day outdoors without leaving the immediate area.

Within the city itself, the Volleyball Hall of Fame draws a steady, if niche, stream of sports-minded travelers. Housed in a dedicated building in downtown Holyoke, it celebrates the sport's history and is a quick stop that adds a distinctive local flavor to any itinerary.

The Connecticut River itself, easily accessible from several points in and around Holyoke, completes the picture. Boating, fishing, and riverside walks are all within minutes of the downtown, and the river connects Holyoke to Springfield, Northampton, and the Five College area to the north.

For short-term rental owners, Holyoke offers a compelling mix of affordability, walkable cultural anchors, and quick access to both outdoor recreation and the larger attractions of the Pioneer Valley. Its proximity to Springfield, its growing arts scene, and the steady flow of visitors drawn by Heritage State Park, Mount Tom, and the river give the city a diverse year-round appeal that rewards guests looking for an authentic western Massachusetts experience.