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Martha's Vineyard

Massachusetts · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-27  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-27  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Martha's Vineyard Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — Massachusetts Department of Revenue registration and local town registration required.
Tax RateCombined state and local lodging taxes range between 11.7% and 14.45% depending on the specific town.
Night / Day CapNo nightly cap.
Minimum StayVaries by town.
Permit FeeVaries by town (Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, etc.).
PenaltiesUnregistered rentals face state tax penalties and local municipal fines.
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitSet by local town bylaws and board of health capacity certificates.
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Martha's Vineyard Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Martha's Vineyard Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Massachusetts Department of Revenue registration and local town registration required.. The associated permit fees are Varies by town (Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, etc.)..

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Martha's Vineyard

Short-term rental operators in Martha's Vineyard should be aware of these tax obligations: Combined state and local lodging taxes range between 11.7% and 14.45% depending on the specific town.. Yes — must register to collect state and local occupancy taxes..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Martha's Vineyard

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Martha's Vineyard include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: No nightly cap.. Occupancy limit: Set by local town bylaws and board of health capacity certificates.. Minimum stay: Varies by town..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Martha's Vineyard

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Martha's Vineyard: STR regulations are managed individually by each of the six island towns. Some towns restrict operations to a single property per owner or require owner occupancy for a portion of the year.. Density rules: None, but wastewater/septic rules restrict capacity in rural areas.. Insurance: Yes — liability insurance required under Massachusetts state law..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Martha's Vineyard

Hosts who fail to comply with Martha's Vineyard's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Unregistered rentals face state tax penalties and local municipal fines..

Platform Obligations in Martha's Vineyard

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Martha's Vineyard: State certificate number must be listed on all booking platforms..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — Massachusetts Department of Revenue registration and local town registration required.
Tax Registration
Yes — must register to collect state and local occupancy taxes.
Permit Fee
Varies by town (Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, etc.).
Primary Residence Rule
No
Night / Day Cap
No nightly cap.
Occupancy Limit
Set by local town bylaws and board of health capacity certificates.
Tax Rate
Combined state and local lodging taxes range between 11.7% and 14.45% depending on the specific town.
Zoning Restrictions
STR regulations are managed individually by each of the six island towns. Some towns restrict operations to a single property per owner or require owner occupancy for a portion of the year.
Minimum Stay
Varies by town.
Density Rules
None, but wastewater/septic rules restrict capacity in rural areas.
Insurance Required
Yes — liability insurance required under Massachusetts state law.
Platform Obligations
State certificate number must be listed on all booking platforms.
Compliance Notes
Trash disposal, parking rules, and noise regulations are strictly monitored, particularly during peak summer months.
Effective Date
Massachusetts short-term rental law and local town bylaws in force.
Key Notes
A highly seasonal resort market with massive summer demand. Regulations focus on preserving local year-round housing stock.
Penalties
Unregistered rentals face state tax penalties and local municipal fines.
Additional Context
Rentals for 14 days or less per year are exempt from Massachusetts state tax, but still require registration.
Sources
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/short-term-rentals-frequently-asked-…
Massachusetts Department of Revenue (mass.gov)
Vineyard Gazette
AirDNA
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Martha's Vineyard?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Martha's Vineyard but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Trash disposal, parking rules, and noise regulations are strictly monitored, particularly during peak summer months.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Martha's Vineyard?

Yes. Martha's Vineyard requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Massachusetts Department of Revenue registration and local town registration required..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Martha's Vineyard?

Short-term rental hosts in Martha's Vineyard are subject to the following tax obligations: Combined state and local lodging taxes range between 11.7% and 14.45% depending on the specific town..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Martha's Vineyard?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Martha's Vineyard may face enforcement. Unregistered rentals face state tax penalties and local municipal fines..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Martha's Vineyard?

A highly seasonal resort market with massive summer demand. Regulations focus on preserving local year-round housing stock.

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