Lynn Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Navigating the rules around short-term vacation rentals in Lynn can be confusing for property owners and hosts. This article provides a straightforward guide to the key regulations for Airbnb, VRBO, and other rental platforms in the city.

We'll cover the basics of getting started legally with a short-term rental business in Lynn, including licensing, taxes, required documents, and zoning restrictions. For hosts already operating or looking to begin renting out their properties on a short-term basis, understanding the local requirements is essential to avoiding fines and penalties.

While Lynn's ordinances and enforcement approach is stricter than other cities in Massachusetts, hosts who make the effort to comply can still successfully operate short-term rentals under the regulations. We've compiled the most up-to-date information and advice to help hosts ensure their Lynn Airbnb or VRBO listing follows the rules.

Whether you're an experienced host looking to expand or a new investor exploring the short-term rental market, use this guide to inform yourself on Lynn's requirements around inspections, owner-occupancy, licensing renewal, excise taxes, and other key rules. Our goal is to present the regulations in the clearest possible way so Lynn property owners can make informed, responsible decisions as they start or manage their vacation rental business.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Lynn

Operating a short term rental (STR) in Lynn requires jumping through some extra hoops compared to other cities in Massachusetts. As the regulations continue to evolve, it's important to do thorough research before listing your Lynn property on sites like Airbnb and VRBO.

The city has enacted strict rules around licensing, taxes, zoning and enforcement to limit issues faced by neighbors of STRs. The intention is to restrict out-of-town investor owners and ensure Lynn residents benefit from the upside of short term rentals, while minimizing disruption.

For hosts planning to list their Lynn home while they themselves continue living on-site, the process is very feasible. Owner-adjacent properties like in-law apartments also have a path to approval in most cases. However, operating remote investment properties as short term rentals currently faces hurdles in Lynn.

Navigating the regulations requires working closely with two key departments - Inspectional Services and Planning & Development. Expect a hands-on approval process with in-person meetings, documents submission, property visits and a degree of back-and-forth before securing an STR license.

The good news is that once active, Lynn's short term rental ordinance offers clarity around the specific operating requirements and tax obligations. Hosts should be prepared for strict enforcement through audits and fines. However, those able to clear the licensing stage tend to find the ongoing oversight manageable.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Lynn

The city of Lynn enforces strict licensing requirements for short term rental hosts. Operating without an approved license can result in fines or legal action.

All short term rental units in Lynn must obtain an annual license from the Inspectional Services Department. The application fee is $100 per rental unit. In addition to the license, hosts have to schedule and pass a rental inspection every 5 years, with a $25 re-inspection charge.

To summarize, Lynn short term rental licensing regulations include:

• Annual license required for each rental unit
• $100 initial application and inspection fee per unit
• License renewal and re-inspection every 5 years
• $25 fee for 5-year re-inspections

Complying with the licensing rules is mandatory. The city actively fines those violating the short term rental ordinances. Failing to obtain an approved license also invalidates standard insurance policies.

Contact the Inspectional Services Department for complete details on securing valid short term rental licenses in Lynn. Providing accurate paperwork during the application process can help streamline approval.

Required Documents for Lynn Short Term Rentals

To successfully register your short-term rental property with the City of Lynn and begin legally hosting guests, you must submit the following documentation:

Rental Inspection Application Provide a filled-out copy of Lynn's Rental Inspection Program Application, which can be found on the city website or obtained in-person from the Inspectional Services Department. This detailed form collects property information, owner contact details, number of rental units, and more.

Proof of Ownership Supply a current copy of the property deed, showing you hold legal ownership of the short-term rental. The name(s) on the deed must match those of the license applicants.

Dimensioned Floor Plans Submit dimensioned floor plans outlining the layout of the rental property. These technical drawings indicate room sizes, exits, smoke detectors, and other details. Floor plans must be to-scale and professionally drafted.**Rental Inspection Certificate **Schedule an inspection with the city's ISD to verify life safety standards and code compliance. Once the property passes inspection, you will receive an official certificate to include with your license application.

Insurance Certificate Provide proof of active rental or landlord insurance coverage. The certificate must show policy details confirming liability coverage and damages protection for the short-term rental.

Compiling these key documents demonstrates you have met basic safety, zoning, and planning requirements to host paying overnight guests in Lynn. Be sure all paperwork is complete and accurate before submitting your short-term rental license application.

Lynn Short Term Rental Taxes

As a short term rental host in Lynn, you are responsible for collecting and remitting occupancy taxes on all bookings. This includes both state and local taxes.Specifically, Lynn imposes an excise tax of up to 6% on short term rental fees under Massachusetts law. The exact percentage charged depends on the rental price per day. In addition, there is a 3% Lynn Community Impact Fee on all short term rental transactions.

These taxes apply to any booking through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. As the host, you are liable for registering, collecting, reporting, and submitting the taxes on a regular basis. Most short term rental platforms have integrated tax collection to simplify the process. However, you remain ultimately accountable.

Failure to comply with tax rules can result in penalties, interest charges, and even criminal sanctions. Lynn has been reported to strictly enforce regulations for short term rental taxes and fees. Do not attempt to operate a short term rental in the city without fully understanding your tax obligations.

Lynn wide Short Term Rental Rules

Lynn has implemented citywide regulations that impact many aspects of operating a short term rental property. These rules apply to all short term rental hosts and properties across the city.

The most notable regulation is that Lynn prohibits investor-owned short term rentals in all areas. Only owner-occupants are allowed to rent out rooms or units on a short term basis. This means hosts must live on-site as their primary residence while renting spaces to guests. Investors cannot legally operate Airbnbs or other short term rentals solely as a business venture.

Additionally, Lynn restricts short term rentals to single-family homes occupied by the owner. Short term rentals are not permitted in 2-3 family homes or multi-family buildings. The city also bans short term rental operations in accessory dwelling units. Only primary residences in single-family homes qualify.

In summary, Lynn's citywide regulations strictly control short term rental eligibility. The rules aim to allow some home sharing while prohibiting investor-owned units or conversions of multi-family buildings. Understanding these regulations is crucial for hosts looking to operate legally. Those planning to violate the owner-occupancy or property type rules face steep penalties if caught without proper permitting.

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

Lynn has very strict enforcement around short term rental regulations compared to other cities and towns. The city takes an uncompromising stand when it comes to unlicensed short term rentals.

Investor-owned and non owner-occupied short term rentals are essentially banned in Lynn without special approvals that are rarely granted. The city requires all hosts to live on site and limits short term rentals only to primary residences.

Lynn's Inspectional Services Department actively investigates illegal listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Fines can amount to $300 per violation for unlicensed short term rental operators. Multiple violations often lead to court summons and potential criminal charges.

The city keeps a close eye on short term rental platforms and tracks down violators based on online listings and complaints from neighbors. Lynn also utilizes services like Host Compliance to monitor compliance issues around short term rentals.

In summary, Lynn employs a strict no-nonsense approach when it comes to regulation of short term vacation rentals. The city is certainly not Airbnb or short term rental friendly compared to towns with more relaxed policies. Investors and hosts looking to operate short term rentals without approval face substantial penalties and legal jeopardy in Lynn.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Lynn

Starting a legal and compliant short term rental business in Lynn requires following these key steps:

1. Evaluate if Your Property Qualifies

The first step is determining if your Lynn property meets the requirements to legally operate as a short term rental. Currently, STRs are only allowed for owner-occupied single family homes in Lynn. Investor-owned properties cannot get a permit without special approval. Review the latest ordinances to confirm your property qualifies.

2. Register with the Massachusetts DOR

You must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to collect all required occupancy taxes. This involves getting a sales tax ID number specifically for your STR. The DOR registration also allows you to remit Lynn's 6% excise tax on each booking.

3. Apply for a City Short Term Rental License

Submit a short term rental license application to the Inspectional Services Department. This requires providing documents like your deed, floor plans, insurance certificate, and more. You must pass an inspection, pay a $100 fee, and renew the license every 5 years.

4. Collect and Remit Taxes

Once licensed, you must charge guests the 6% state excise tax, up to 6% Lynn excise tax, and 3% community impact fee. You are responsible for collecting taxes from guests and remitting them to the proper state and local authorities.

5. Maintain Compliance

Continue meeting requirements like keeping current insurance, properly reporting taxes, and complying with laws around advertising, amenities, parking and more. Violations can lead to steep fines or loss of your STR license.

Following these key steps allows you to legally operate a short term rental in Lynn. Be sure to stay updated on any ordinance changes and remain compliant. Contact the city's Inspectional Services Department with any regulation questions.

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

To obtain a short term rental license or schedule a rental inspection in Lynn, contact the Inspectional Services Department:

Inspectional Services Department
Lynn City Hall, 3 City Hall Square
Lynn, MA 01901Phone: 781-598-4000

Email: inspectionalservices@lynnma.gov

The inspectional services staff can answer questions related to rental licensing, fees, required documents, and scheduling inspections.

For inquiries about zoning regulations and owner-occupancy requirements for short term rentals in Lynn, contact the Planning and Development Department:

Planning and Development Department
Lynn City Hall, 3 City Hall Square
Lynn, MA 01901Phone: 781-598-4000

Email: planning@lynnma.gov

The planning department staff can provide information on whether a property complies with zoning rules for short term rental uses in Lynn. They can clarify regulations around owner-occupancy.

Contact both departments with any questions or concerns about starting a short term rental business in Lynn. The staff are familiar with local regulations and requirements. They can advise hosts on compliance.

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

Comments from short term rental hosts on Reddit and real estate forums like BiggerPockets indicate frustration with Lynn's stringent enforcement around Airbnbs and other short term rentals.

Hosts report being unable to obtain permits and facing pressure from authorities to cease operations. One Redditor bluntly advised "Don't even try" to run an Airbnb without explicit city approval.

Investors also complain they are banned entirely from operating short term rentals under the city ordinances requiring owner-occupancy. As one BiggerPockets user put it, "Lynn completely prohibits outside investors from running Airbnb rentals."The overarching sentiment is that Lynn's regulations make it extremely challenging for hosts to run Airbnb and other short term rental businesses legally. Hosts are forced to shutter operations or risk fines for non-compliance.

As a result, Lynn is widely described as "not Airbnb friendly" in forums and conversations among hosts familiar with the area's strict enforcement regime. Hosts advise extreme caution to anyone considering short term rental hosting in the Lynn area given the tight rules.