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Brewster

Massachusetts · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-08-26  ·  Last verified: 2026-08-26  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Brewster Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — annual registration required starting January 2027
Tax RateState occupancy tax (5.7%) + local town tax (typically 4% to 6%)
Permit Fee$300 annual registration fee (covers administration and inspections)
PenaltiesFines for operating without registration or violating building/fire/sanitary codes
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitSpecific limits based on bedroom count and building/sanitary codes
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Brewster Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Brewster Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Brewster, Massachusetts are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — annual registration required starting January 2027. The associated permit fees are $300 annual registration fee (covers administration and inspections).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Brewster

Short-term rental operators in Brewster should be aware of these tax obligations: State occupancy tax (5.7%) + local town tax (typically 4% to 6%). Yes (state and local room occupancy excise tax applies in Massachusetts).

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Brewster

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Brewster include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Specific limits based on bedroom count and building/sanitary codes.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Brewster

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Brewster: Allowed town-wide, but prohibited in units designated as affordable housing.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Brewster

Hosts who fail to comply with Brewster's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines for operating without registration or violating building/fire/sanitary codes.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — annual registration required starting January 2027
Tax Registration
Yes (state and local room occupancy excise tax applies in Massachusetts)
Permit Fee
$300 annual registration fee (covers administration and inspections)
Primary Residence Rule
No
Occupancy Limit
Specific limits based on bedroom count and building/sanitary codes
Tax Rate
State occupancy tax (5.7%) + local town tax (typically 4% to 6%)
Zoning Restrictions
Allowed town-wide, but prohibited in units designated as affordable housing
Minimum Stay
None specified
Compliance Notes
Brewster has finalized regulations requiring all short-term rentals to register annually starting January 2027. Registration requires a $300 fee, safety inspections (building, sanitary, zoning, and fire code compliance), and zero outstanding town taxes/fees. Rentals in affordable housing units are prohibited. Operators must keep rental records for three years.
Effective Date
2027-01-01
Key Notes
$300 annual registration fee starting January 2027; Requires safety inspections and tax compliance; Prohibits STRs in affordable housing units; Must keep rental records for three years; Renewal applications due annually by November 1
Penalties
Fines for operating without registration or violating building/fire/sanitary codes
Additional Context
Brewster approved the drawing up of these regulations after three public hearings. The fee is intended to cover administration, staffing, and inspection costs.
Sources
Town of Brewster short-term rental regulations (August 2026)
Cape Cod Chronicle
https://www.capecodchronicle.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Brewster?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Brewster with proper registration and permits. Brewster has finalized regulations requiring all short-term rentals to register annually starting January 2027. Registration requires a $300 fee, safety inspections (building, sanitary, zoning, and fi

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Brewster?

Yes. Brewster requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — annual registration required starting January 2027.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Brewster?

Short-term rental hosts in Brewster are subject to the following tax obligations: State occupancy tax (5.7%) + local town tax (typically 4% to 6%).

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Brewster?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Brewster may face enforcement. Fines for operating without registration or violating building/fire/sanitary codes.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Brewster?

$300 annual registration fee starting January 2027; Requires safety inspections and tax compliance; Prohibits STRs in affordable housing units; Must keep rental records for three years; Renewal applications due annually by November 1

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