Brockton Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Brockton,Massachusetts?

If you're considering offering your property as a short-term rental (such as Airbnb or VRBO) in Brockton, Massachusetts, it's important to be aware of the specific regulations that apply. The new law, which went into effect on July 1, 2019, imposes various requirements on short-term rental hosts in the state. These requirements include registering with the Department of Revenue (DOR), collecting state room occupancy tax from guests, filing lodging tax returns monthly, and maintaining $1 million in liability insurance, unless you are using a platform such as Airbnb or VRBO that provides equal or greater coverage3.

Additionally, short-term rental operators may be required to collect local lodging taxes, depending on the location of the rental. The new law also allows municipal governments to impose additional local lodging taxes of 6 percent on short-term rentals. Cities and towns that are part of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund may levy an additional tax of 2.75 percent. Municipalities also have the option of imposing a 3 percent community impact fee on operators who own multiple properties3.

The law also permits local governments to regulate various aspects of short-term rentals, including licensing and registration, health and safety, location and density, and more3. Therefore, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and requirements that apply to short-term rentals in Brockton to ensure compliance with the law.

For more information on the regulations and zoning related to short-term rentals in Brockton, it is advisable to contact the Department of Revenue (DOR)3. This will help you obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the requirements and obligations that apply to short-term rental hosts in the city.

In summary, if you're planning to engage in short-term rentals in Brockton, Massachusetts, it's crucial to understand and adhere to the regulations set forth in the state law and any local ordinances. By doing so, you can ensure that you operate your short-term rental business in compliance with the applicable legal requirements.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Brockton

To start a short-term rental business in Brockton, Massachusetts, you must first ensure compliance with state and local regulations. Massachusetts law requires registration with the Department of Revenue for properties rented for 31 days or less in a year1. Additionally, Brockton may have its own specific requirements for short-term rental operators.

Once you have familiarized yourself with the legal obligations, the next step is to establish your business. This involves obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. While the specific licensing requirements for short-term rentals in Brockton are not readily available in the provided search results, it is essential to ensure that you have the appropriate permits to operate your business legally2.

In addition to the legal aspects, it is important to consider the practicalities of starting a short-term rental business. This includes securing the required insurance, understanding the tax implications, and being aware of any zoning regulations that may apply to your property. It is also advisable to seek guidance from local organizations and business support groups, as they can provide valuable networking opportunities and support to help you navigate the process of starting your business1.

By taking a thorough and diligent approach to starting your short-term rental business in Brockton, you can position yourself for success in this vibrant city. While the process may involve various steps and considerations, the potential for a rewarding venture in the thriving Brockton market makes it a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Brockton

Short-term rental operators in Brockton, Massachusetts, must comply with both state and local regulations. While Brockton does not have a specific licensing requirement mentioned in the search results, municipalities in Massachusetts have the option to impose local licensing and registration regulations. The proposed Massachusetts Bill S.895 would levy a 5% tax on STR operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building. The proposed law does not define "owner-occupied property," but it is likely defined elsewhere in Massachusetts real estate law. Local governments can regulate short-term rentals, including areas such as licensing and registration, health and safety, location, and density.

To start a short-term rental business in Brockton, operators must register with the Department of Revenue, collect and pay state and local taxes, maintain liability insurance, and comply with local regulations, if any. Required documents include registration with the DOR, collecting state room occupancy tax from guests, filing lodging tax returns monthly, and maintaining $1 million in liability insurance (unless going through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO that has equal or greater coverage).

Brockton short-term rental taxes include state room occupancy tax, local lodging taxes (depending on the location of the rental), and a proposed 5% tax on STR operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building.

While specific enforcement data is not available in the search results, a Reddit user mentioned that some hosts operate in Brockton despite the rules, and there is a discussion about the clarity of the proposed 5% tax on STR operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building.

To start a short-term rental business in Brockton, operators must register with the Department of Revenue, collect and pay state and local taxes, maintain liability insurance, and comply with local regulations, if any.

Required Documents for Brockton Short Term Rentals

• Registration with the Department of Revenue (DOR): Properties rented for 31 days or less in a year must be registered with the DOR1.
• Collection and Payment of Taxes: Short-term rental operators are required to collect and pay state room occupancy tax from guests. Additionally, they must file lodging tax returns monthly and pay all taxes due. The proposed Massachusetts Bill S.895 suggests a 5% tax on operators whose units are not in owner-occupied buildings3.
• Liability Insurance: Operators must maintain $1 million in liability insurance, unless using a platform like Airbnb or VRBO that provides equal or greater coverage. It's also important to inform the insurance provider about the operation of a vacation rental1.
• Compliance with Local Regulations: Ensure compliance with any local regulations, which may include licensing and registration, health and safety, and location and density requirements1.

Brockton Short Term Rental Taxes

In Brockton, Massachusetts, the proposed Massachusetts Bill S.895, if passed, would levy a 5% tax on short-term rental (STR) operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building1. This tax would be applicable to the operator's gross revenues derived from the operation of short-term rentals. The proposed law also outlines the assessment and reporting requirements for operators, as well as the distribution of the generated revenue1.

The definition of "owner-occupied property" and its application to the proposed law have been a point of discussion and confusion among hosts and operators. The term "owner-occupied property" is not explicitly defined in the proposed law, and there are concerns about its interpretation, especially for hosts who rent out their entire place on platforms like Airbnb1.Additionally, Massachusetts has a state room occupancy excise tax rate of 5.7%, which applies to short-term rentals of property for 31 days or less, including those made available through online platforms such as Airbnb. Depending on the city or town, a local option room occupancy tax and other taxes and fees may also apply4.

The proposed bill and the existing room occupancy excise tax reflect the evolving regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in Massachusetts, with the aim of ensuring fair taxation and regulation of the STR industry. Hosts and operators are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and to comply with the relevant tax and regulatory requirements to avoid any potential penalties or legal issues3.

Brockton wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short-term rentals in Brockton, Massachusetts are subject to both state and local regulations. While Brockton does not have specific short-term rental licensing requirements, municipalities in Massachusetts have the option to impose local licensing and registration regulations. Local governments can regulate short-term rentals, including areas such as licensing and registration, health and safety, location, and density.

In July 2019, Massachusetts law required registration with the Department of Revenue (DOR) for properties rented for 31 days or less in a year. Short-term rental operators in Brockton must comply with this law and collect state room occupancy tax from guests. They must also file lodging tax returns monthly and pay all taxes due, maintain $1 million in liability insurance (unless going through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO that has equal or greater coverage), and inform their insurance provider that they will be operating a vacation rental.

The proposed Massachusetts Bill S.895 would levy a 5% tax on short-term rental operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building. While the proposed law does not define "owner-occupied property," it is likely to exclude an operator who lives in a building with four or fewer rental properties.

Brockton does not strictly enforce short-term rental rules, and some hosts operate in Brockton despite the rules. However, the city is going ahead with other aspects of the law, including a requirement that short-term rentals register with the city and prohibiting short-term rentals from being offered by owners who do not live in the property.

To start a short-term rental business in Brockton, operators must register with the DOR, collect and pay state and local taxes, maintain liability insurance, and comply with local regulations, if any.

Does Brockton strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Brockton Airbnb friendly?

While Brockton does not have a specific licensing requirement for STRs mentioned in the search results, the city is part of the broader Massachusetts regulatory landscape, which includes state and local taxes and potential local licensing and registration requirements12. The proposed 5% tax on STR operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building highlights the evolving nature of STR regulations in Brockton and Massachusetts

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Brockton

Starting a short-term rental business in Brockton, Massachusetts requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the steps to get started:

• Register with the Department of Revenue (DOR) for properties rented for 31 days or less in a year1.
• Collect and pay state and local taxes, including state room occupancy tax and local lodging taxes, depending on the location of the rental1.
• Maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million, unless going through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO that has equal or greater coverage1.
• Inform your insurance provider that you will be operating a vacation rental1.
• Comply with local regulations, if any.

Brockton does not have a specific licensing requirement mentioned in the search results, but municipalities in Massachusetts have the option to impose local licensing and registration regulations1. Required documents for Brockton short-term rentals include registration with the DOR, collecting state room occupancy tax from guests, filing lodging tax returns monthly and paying all taxes due, and informing your insurance provider that you will be operating a vacation rental1.

Brockton has a wealth of resources to guide you through the process of starting a business, including the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, which offers financial assistance programs and technical support to empower entrepreneurs1. Local organizations, such as chambers of commerce and business associations, provide networking opportunities and invaluable support1.

Who to contact in Brockton about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you are looking to start a short-term rental business in Brockton, it is important to comply with both state and local regulations. If you have any questions or concerns about the regulations and zoning in Brockton, there are several resources you can turn to.

You can start by contacting Brockton City Hall at 508-580-7100 or the Brockton Planning Department at 508-580-7105. These offices can provide you with information on the local regulations and zoning requirements for short-term rentals in Brockton.Additionally, you can reach out to local property management companies such as South Shore Property Management, LLC6, Phoenix Property Management Group, LLC11, and Empresa12 for guidance on short-term rental regulations and zoning in Brockton.

If you are looking for specific short-term rental services in Brockton, you can contact The Landing Hub2, Starfish Rentals LLC7, Prime Rentals8, and Station Lofts Apartments13 for more information.

It is important to note that while Brockton does not have a specific licensing requirement mentioned in the search results, municipalities in Massachusetts have the option to impose local licensing and registration regulations1. Therefore, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes to the regulations and zoning requirements in Brockton.

What do Airbnb hosts in Brockton on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Brockton, Massachusetts, are actively discussing the local regulatory landscape, particularly in light of proposed legislation and existing regulations. A Reddit user mentioned that some hosts operate in Brockton despite the rules, and there is a debate about the clarity of a proposed 5% tax on STR operators where the unit is not in an owner-occupied building2.

On the Airbnb Help Center, it is noted that Boston, which has similar regulations to Brockton, requires short-term rental operators to register with the city and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue3. However, the proposed 5% tax in Massachusetts, as mentioned in Senate Bill S.895, has caused concern among hosts, with some arguing that the definition is unclear and that the tax does not apply to hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other housing alternatives2.

While specific enforcement data is not available in the search results, the discussions on Reddit and Bigger Pockets indicate that some hosts are operating in Brockton despite the rules, and there is a desire for clarity and fairness in the regulatory framework2.