Short-term rental rules · Cape Cod (Barnstable), Massachusetts
Short-term rentals in Cape Cod (Barnstable), explained properly.
The Town of Barnstable — Cape Cod's largest town, including Hyannis, Centerville, Osterville and Cotuit — allows short-term rentals but requires every rental property to register each year with the town's Health Division under Board of Health rules (Chapter 170), and with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Guests pay 14.45% in combined taxes: a 5.7% state excise, a 6% town excise and a 2.75% Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund excise. State law also requires $1 million in liability insurance. Other Cape towns set their own rules.
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Draft. These rules were compiled from the sources listed below — official where available, with fields that rely on secondary sources marked for review — and have not yet been checked line by line. Confirm with the city before making decisions.
At a glance
What you need to know before you buy or list
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Annual Board of Health registration | Any property rented or offered for rent must register every year with the Town of Barnstable Health Division under Chapter 170 (Rental Properties); the fee was not confirmed in this pass[1][2] |
| Massachusetts DOR registration | Short-term rentals must also register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue; state rules apply to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2019, with taxes effective July 1, 2019[1] |
| 14.45% combined excise | A 5.7% state excise, a 6% Town of Barnstable excise and a 2.75% Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund excise, totaling 14.45%[1] |
| $1 million liability insurance | Massachusetts requires at least $1 million in liability insurance per short-term rental[3]Confirming |
| Last researched | September 25, 2026 |
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Watch the Town of Barnstable STR information page and Board of Health regulations (Chapter 170) for fee, inspection or occupancy changes. The registration fee, inspection requirements and penalties were not found in this pass.
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This page is general information compiled from public sources, not legal or tax advice. HOA rules, deed restrictions and zoning for a specific property can be stricter. Confirm with the local permitting office and a qualified professional before buying or listing a property.