New Bedford Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

New Bedford, Massachusetts, has introduced specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), including those facilitated through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations are designed to strike a balance between the advantages of such rentals and the preservation of the quality of life in residential neighborhoods2.

The debate surrounding home-sharing platforms like Airbnb has become a topic of discussion in New Bedford. Ward 6 Councilor Joseph Lopes has advocated for the implementation of licensing requirements for short-term home-sharing in response to a complaint from a neighbor of an Airbnb property in the South End. The complaint was related to issues such as noise and parking congestion caused by an Airbnb property accommodating groups of 10-12 people in a three-bedroom home. This has prompted the city to consider establishing an ordinance listing the licensing requirements for short-term home-sharing in New Bedford1.To operate an STR in New Bedford, hosts are required to register their property with the city and obtain a rental permit. Additionally, there are restrictions on the number of guests allowed to stay in a rental property and the maximum number of days a property can be rented out. Hosts must also comply with residency requirements, insurance, and taxation regulations23.

New Bedford's regulations mandate that short-term rental providers must live in their accommodations for nine months of the year, and they may rent out no more than three bedrooms. Furthermore, the city imposes a 5.7% excise tax on short-term accommodations, with the possibility of additional taxes at the local level. The goal of these requirements is to maintain the quality of life in residential neighborhoods3.

While the enforcement of these regulations may vary, the city council's intention is to ensure that the operation of STRs does not compromise the well-being of residential areas. It is essential for hosts to be well-informed about and adhere to these regulations to avoid potential fines or penalties2.

In conclusion, New Bedford, Massachusetts, has established specific regulations for short-term rentals, aiming to balance the benefits of such accommodations with the preservation of the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. Hosts must comply with various requirements, including licensing, residency, and taxation, to operate legally in the city. The city is taking steps to address the impact of short-term rentals on its neighborhoods and is working towards implementing regulations to ensure responsible and considerate operation of such accommodations.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in New Bedford

If you're interested in starting a short-term rental (STR) business in New Bedford, Massachusetts, there are specific regulations in place that you must follow. These regulations aim to balance the benefits of STRs with the need to maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life2.

To operate an STR in New Bedford, you must provide proof of residency, adequate insurance, a business certificate, and neighbor notification2. Additionally, STR providers must live in their accommodations for nine months of the year, and they may rent out no more than three bedrooms. STRs may rent out for more than 14 days per calendar year at more than $15/day, and no more than nine people are allowed to rent an accommodation at any one time3.

New Bedford's STR regulations require owners and intermediaries like Airbnb to register online with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, providing proof of residency, adequate insurance, and paying certain annual licensing fees2. STRs in New Bedford are subject to a 5.7% excise tax, the same rate as hotels and other accommodations in Massachusetts. Cities and towns may also levy a separate tax of up to 6% and a community impact fee of up to 3% 2.

While New Bedford has established STR rules, the enforcement of these regulations varies. Some hosts operate despite the rules, as indicated by discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit34. However, the city council has expressed a desire to maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life2.

To start an STR business in New Bedford, you must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, obtain a business certificate, notify neighbors, ensure compliance with insurance and residency requirements, and pay annual licensing fees2.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in New Bedford

New Bedford, Massachusetts, has introduced specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), such as those offered through Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations are designed to strike a balance between the benefits of such rentals and the preservation of the quality of life in residential neighborhoods5. The city has been considering the implementation of licensing requirements for short-term home-sharing, with discussions focusing on the need for oversight and the potential impact on the community3. The debate has been fueled by various viewpoints, with some emphasizing the importance of regulations to maintain neighborhood quality of life, while others express concerns about potential restrictions affecting their ability to host visitors and generate income1.

The regulations for operating an STR in New Bedford include the requirement to register the property with the city and obtain a rental permit. Hosts are also subject to restrictions on the number of guests allowed to stay in a rental property and the maximum number of days a property can be rented out5. Additionally, the city has been exploring the possibility of establishing licensing requirements, which may involve annual fees and other stipulations to ensure compliance with the regulations3.

The discussions around these regulations have highlighted the need for oversight and the potential impact on the community. Some residents have expressed support for the idea of licensing requirements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. Others have raised concerns about the potential limitations and the impact on their ability to accommodate visitors and generate income1.

In summary, New Bedford, Massachusetts, has been actively considering and implementing regulations for short-term rentals, with a focus on balancing the benefits of such rentals with the preservation of the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. The ongoing discussions reflect the diverse perspectives and considerations surrounding the introduction of licensing requirements and other regulations for STRs in the city.

Required Documents for New Bedford Short Term Rentals

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, required documents for short-term rentals (STRs) include:

• Proof of residency
• Adequate insurance
• Business certificate
• Neighbor notification
• Compliance with local regulations and zoning ordinances

STRs in New Bedford must also:

• Register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue
• Pay annual licensing fees
• Notify neighbors
• Ensure compliance with insurance and residency requirements
• Adhere to STR rules and zoning ordinances

Additionally, STRs in New Bedford are subject to a 5.7% excise tax, and STR providers must live in their accommodations for nine months of the year23. STRs may rent out no more than three bedrooms and can rent out for more than 14 days per calendar year at more than $15/day3. STRs must not rent out more than nine people at any one time3.

New Bedford's STR regulations require owners and intermediaries like Airbnb to register online with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, providing proof of residency, adequate insurance, and paying certain annual licensing fees2. STRs in New Bedford are subject to a 5.7% excise tax, the same rate as hotels and other accommodations in Massachusetts. Cities and towns may also levy a separate tax of up to 6% and a community impact fee of up to 3%2.

New Bedford Short Term Rental Taxes

STRs in New Bedford are subject to a 5.7% excise tax, the same rate as hotels and other accommodations in Massachusetts. Cities and towns may also levy a separate tax of up to 6% and a community impact fee of up to 3%2. The additional 6% automatically applies in cities and towns that already have enacted local room occupancy taxes. Furthermore, municipalities may impose a community impact fee of up to 3%, with a little more than a third of that revenue designated for affordable housing2.

To operate an STR in New Bedford, you must provide proof of residency, adequate insurance, a business certificate, and neighbor notification2. Additionally, STR providers must live in their accommodations for nine months of the year, and they may rent out no more than three bedrooms. STRs may rent out for more than 14 days per calendar year at more than $15/day, and no more than nine people are allowed to rent an accommodation at any one time3.

While New Bedford has established STR rules, the enforcement of these regulations varies. Some hosts operate despite the rules, as indicated by discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit34. However, the city council has expressed a desire to maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life2.

To start an STR business in New Bedford, you must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, obtain a business certificate, notify neighbors, ensure compliance with insurance and residency requirements, and pay annual licensing fees2.

New Bedford wide Short Term Rental Rules

New Bedford, Massachusetts, has specific regulations in place for short-term rentals (STRs), including those on popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations aim to balance the benefits of STRs with the need to maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life. The city council has expressed a desire to maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life, and while the enforcement of these regulations varies, some hosts operate despite the rules, as indicated by discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit.

To operate an STR in New Bedford, you must provide proof of residency, adequate insurance, a business certificate, and neighbor notification. Additionally, STR providers must live in their accommodations for nine months of the year, and they may rent out no more than three bedrooms. STRs may rent out for more than 14 days per calendar year at more than $15/day, and no more than nine people are allowed to rent an accommodation at any one time.

New Bedford's STR regulations require owners and intermediaries like Airbnb to register online with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, providing proof of residency, adequate insurance, and paying certain annual licensing fees. STRs in New Bedford are subject to a 5.7% excise tax, the same rate as hotels and other accommodations in Massachusetts. Cities and towns may also levy a separate tax of up to 6% and a community impact fee of up to 3%.

To start an STR business in New Bedford, you must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, obtain a business certificate, notify neighbors, ensure compliance with insurance and residency requirements, and pay annual licensing fees.

Does New Bedford strictly enforce STR rules?” Is New Bedford Airbnb friendly?

New Bedford has established specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), including those on popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. However, the enforcement of these regulations varies. Some hosts operate despite the rules, as indicated by discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit34.

While New Bedford has established STR rules, the city council has expressed a desire to maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life2. Councilor Joseph Lopes, who is pushing for licensing requirements for short-term home-sharing in the city, has received calls from residents who've seen Airbnbs popping up in their neighborhoods1.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in New Bedford

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in New Bedford, Massachusetts, hosts must adhere to specific regulations. These regulations include the requirement for hosts to register their property with the city and obtain a rental permit. Additionally, there are restrictions on the number of guests allowed to stay in a rental property and the maximum number of days a property can be rented out2. The proposed ordinance change in Bedford County also requires yearly registration of a short-term rental through the issuance of a zoning permit, with some exemptions allowed through the real estate market1.

The regulations in New Bedford, Massachusetts, aim to ensure that short-term rentals are properly registered and that there is stronger enforcement of these regulations. The proposed ordinance change in Bedford County reflects the need for comprehensive regulation to address issues such as noise, parking congestion, and property maintenance. The ordinance also includes requirements for a property maintenance plan for short-term rental operators, which outlines various aspects of the rental property, including the floor plan, local points of contact for responding to complaints, garbage disposal, tenant management, the number of permitted overnight guests, and parking information12.

In addition to the regulatory requirements, it is essential for hosts to consider the seasonality of Airbnb stays and tourism in New Bedford. The city experiences a surge in visitors and bookings during peak travel seasons, particularly from June to September. However, it is important for hosts to be knowledgeable about and adhere to local regulations to prevent potential fines or penalties2.

Overall, starting a short-term rental business in New Bedford, Massachusetts, requires hosts to comply with specific regulations and to ensure that their properties are properly registered and maintained. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, hosts can contribute to the responsible and sustainable operation of their short-term rental properties.

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

To start an STR business in New Bedford, you must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, obtain a business certificate, notify neighbors, ensure compliance with insurance and residency requirements, and pay annual licensing fees.

For information about STR regulations and zoning in New Bedford, contact the New Bedford Department of Revenue at (508) 991-6100 or the New Bedford Planning and Development Department at (508) 991-6105.

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

Airbnb hosts in New Bedford, Massachusetts, have a range of opinions about local regulations. While some hosts find the rules burdensome, others believe they are necessary to maintain neighborhood quality of life34.

Discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit indicate that some hosts in New Bedford:

• Support the regulations, believing they help maintain residential neighborhoods' quality of life34.
• Oppose the regulations, finding them burdensome and unnecessary34.
• Comply with the regulations, aiming to avoid fines and penalties2.