Short-Term Rental Laws in Hyannis, Massachusetts

Hyannis (the largest village within the Town of Barnstable on Cape Cod) operates under the Town of Barnstable STR framework — STR is broadly permitted across residential and resort zones subject to MA state registration + Town Health Division inspection + designated 24/7 local responsible-party contact. The Cape's tourism-driven economy supports a permissive municipal posture. The 2018 MA state law layered registration + 5.7% room occupancy excise + local option taxes onto what had previously been an unregulated market.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Town of Barnstable Health Division administers the STR registration program with annual renewal and life-safety inspection. Application requires MA Department of Revenue Operator Certificate (state-level), proof of insurance, designated 24/7 local responsible-party contact, smoke/CO/fire-extinguisher certification, posted occupancy + parking plan, and a Health Division on-site inspection. Operating without registration: per-day administrative fines + back-tax + Health Department enforcement orders. MA DOR collects the 5.7% state occupancy excise + 6% Town local option + 2.75% Cape & Islands fund — all via the DOR's MassTaxConnect portal.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Hyannis is approximately 14.450% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

MA State room occupancy excise 5.7% + Town of Barnstable local option 6% + Cape & Islands water protection fund 2.75% — combined ~14.45% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.