Photo by Charlie Breitrose Watertown City Hall
City officials recently reinforced that short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO are not allowed in Watertown.
In April 2024, the City Council rejected a proposal that would have allowed short-term rentals on a limited basis, including for under 3 months a year.
“The City’s zoning regulations prohibit the rental of properties for a period of less than 31 days, and those violating this ordinance are subject to fines,” the City’s announcement said.
The announcement was part of the City’s education efforts around short-term rentals, said Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist.
“When the Council passed the ordinance, we worked with our Zoning and Code Enforcement team to develop an enforcement strategy, which includes this step of sending letters to identified properties around Watertown,” Cote said. “These efforts are more proactive in enforcing our ordinances than they are reactive to specific complaints we have received.”
City staff will be reaching out to properties that are operating short-term rentals.
“Our Zoning and Code Enforcement Office is requiring recipients to submit confirmation via email verifying that their listing complies with the requirement of no less than 31 days, or a signed letter stating when the rental was stopped or if no short-term rental was being operated at that address,” the announcement said. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation in upholding local ordinances and encourage all property owners to review the guidelines before listing or operating a short-term rental.
Residents with questions or concerns about short-term rentals can contact the Zoning and Code Enforcement Office by emailing the Zoning Enforcement Officer, Tony Mancini at amancini@watertown-ma.gov or by calling 617-972-6427.