AirBnBnBoston
It has been two weeks since the rules and regulations went into effect. And the city hasn’t gone up in flames, people aren’t rioting in the streets. Home shares haven’t quadrupled in price, even through AirBnB took down roughly half of their listings within the city.
I think there’s a lot of confusion out there regarding what’s allowed and what’s not. I couldn’t figure it out until I actually read through the ordinance. Everyone told me something different, and most of the articles I perused didn’t answer all of my questions. The big change, is that short term rentals are required to be registered with the city. A short term rental is any unit rented out for a stay fewer than 28 days.
So here we go. Everything you need to know about AirBnb in Boston.
Eligibility for Residential Units
-Cannot be income restricted, or have housing or rental assistance
-Does not violate any condominium association, local, state or federal laws
-Is not designated a Public Nuisance Property by the Mayor’s Problem Properties Task Force
-Has not received three or more violations within a six month period. Violations include (but aren’t limited to!) excessive noice, improper trash disposal or disorderly conduct.
Exclusions
-Licensed Lodging Houses
-Existing Bed and Breakfasts
-Residential units contracted for hospital, government or non profit organizations
-Corporate Housing
Requirements
-Unit needs to be registered as home share, limited share or owner adjacent units. A residence is a primary residence where the owner lives there a minimum of nine months a year.
A home share is an owner’s primary residence, that is rented out in it’s entirety. Limited to five bedrooms or 10 guests, whichever is less.
A limited share is an owner’s primary residence where a portion is rented out and the owner is present. This is limited to three bedrooms or six guests, whichever is less.
An owner adjacent unit applies to two and three family homes, where there is a single owner. An owner may only operate their primary residence, and one other unit for short term rentals.
-Documented permission for short term rentals from governing condominium documents.
-Emergency contact information for a person that can respond within two hours
-No outstanding violations
-Complies with all local, state and federal laws
-Proof of residency and ownership
-Interior fire extinguisher with signage
-Notification of short term rental status given to all abutters within 30 days. An abutter is any residential unit within 300 feet of the short term rental.
Registration
-City of Boston Inspectional Services Department, either online or hard copy
-Valid for one year starting on January 1st valid through December 31 of each year
-Annual fee
Limited share- $25
Home share - $200
Owner adjacent - $200
-Non-transferrable
Room Occupancy Excise Tax
-6.5% required to be paid by booking agent or owner
Penalties
-Ineligible units found to be acting as short term rentals will be fined $300/day
-Failure to register eligible short term rentals will be fines $100/day
-Failure to comply with any violations will be fined $100/day
These regulations are easy to comply with and shouldn’t dissuade anyone from using their real estate as a business. I’ve rented out my primary residence on AirBnB twice in the past, and it worked out great and I was surprised what people were willing to pay.
If you’re interested in purchasing a home with an extra bedroom for short term rentals, or a multifamily, I’m happy to answer any questions. The average millionaire has six sources of income. This could be one of yours!
As always, I can be reached on my cellphone at 617 528 8461, or by email at willy.charleton@nemoves.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!
