Methuen, Massachusetts

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Essex County

Allowed

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $100Tax: 5.7%Min Stay: 30 nights
County-level data: No city-specific ordinance found. Showing regulations for Essex County which apply to this area.
$100License Cost
30 nightsMin. Night Stay
14 nights/yrAnnual Cap
5.7%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$100
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNo
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay30 nights
Max Nights Per Year14 nights
Density / Distance Cap3
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT5.7%

Zoning Restrictions

  • A2
  • A5F
  • A6
  • A8B
  • A9
  • C1
  • C3
  • C5S
  • C7
  • F0
  • F3
  • F8
  • F9
  • I0
  • I0DT
  • I1
  • I2
  • I3
  • I5
  • I6
  • I8
  • I٨
  • M0W
  • M1
  • M5
  • M9
  • R1
  • R2
  • R4
  • R4V
  • R5
  • R6
  • R7
  • R8
  • S0
  • S1
  • S3
  • S4
  • S7
  • S8
  • S9

Official Sources

library.municode.com/ma/salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH15SHRMREREeasthamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9537/Easthampton-General-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-92325frcog.org/short-term-rental-law-workshop-for-towns/merrimackvalleymarealestate.com/first-time-airbnb-host/vtcng.com/otherpapersbvt/news/municipal_matters/city-passes-rental-registry-short-term-regs-into-law/article_a528df6e-d726-11ee-975c-b713533c2efd.htmlmass.gov/info-details/re109r25-short-term-residential-vacation-rentalwindhillrealty.com/blog/posts/2019/01/09/new-short-term-rental-laws-in-massachusetts/bnbcalc.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulation/Middlesex-County-Massachusetts-Guide
Data confidence: 91%Last updated: May 20, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Methuen, Massachusetts

Methuen, Massachusetts has no separate city ordinance, so Essex County rules apply — under which short-term rentals are allowed. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $100). The home must be the host's primary residence. A lodging/occupancy tax of 5.7% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Methuen, Massachusetts?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed in Methuen, Massachusetts. The home must be the host's primary residence.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Methuen?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $100.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Methuen?

Short-term rentals in Methuen are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 5.7%.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Methuen?

Yes — Methuen sets a minimum stay of 30 nights and a cap of 14 rental nights per year.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Methuen, Essex County, or Massachusetts authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.