Wakefield, Massachusetts

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Middlesex County

Allowed

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $100Tax: 6.5%Min Stay: 30 nights
County-level data: No city-specific ordinance found. Showing regulations for Middlesex County which apply to this area.
$100License Cost
30 nightsMin. Night Stay
14 nights/yrAnnual Cap
6.5%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

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

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay30 nights
Max Nights Per Year14 nights
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT6.5%

Zoning Restrictions

  • A0
  • A1
  • A2
  • A5
  • A7
  • C0
  • C3
  • C5
  • F0
  • F4
  • F5
  • F7
  • F8
  • I1
  • I2
  • I5
  • I6H
  • I7
  • M0
  • M4
  • M5
  • M6
  • M7
  • R5
  • S0C1
  • S3R
  • S5
  • S8
  • S9
  • coastal areas
  • residential areas
  • residential districts
  • residential zones

Official Sources

bnbcalc.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulation/Middlesex-County-Massachusetts-Guideapartmenthomeliving.com/middlesex-county-ma/apartments-for-rent/short_term_leasemass.gov/info-details/re109r25-short-term-residential-vacation-rentalmass.gov/doc/re109r20-short-term-residential-vacation-rental/downloadhotpads.com/middlesex-county-ma/furnished-apartments-for-rentcheckmaterentals.com/blog/massachusetts-short-term-rental-lawstrulia.com/for_rent/25017_c/1_furnished/code-enforcement.org/ma-middlesex-county/
Data confidence: 81%Last updated: May 20, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Wakefield, Massachusetts

Wakefield, Massachusetts has no separate city ordinance, so Middlesex 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 6.5% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Wakefield, Massachusetts?

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

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

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

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Wakefield?

Short-term rentals in Wakefield are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 6.5%.

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

Yes — Wakefield 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 Wakefield, Middlesex County, or Massachusetts authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.