How to Register your Short Term Rental in Pittsfield Massachusetts
Intro
The city of Pittsfield regulates short term rentals to regulate neighborhood integrity while also allowing hosts to earn supplemental income from their properties. Read through this blog post to understand the city bylaw and to get your checklist organized so that you can get things up and running for your short term rental !
Important Facts
Short term rental defined: 30 consecutive days or less
Annual cap: 150 nights per calendar year
Local Contact Required: Berkshire County resident required to be able to respond to any and all situations 7 days a week, 24 hours a day —> Contact Us
Registration Required: Pittsfield City Clerk and MA Department of Revenue
Limitations: One registered short term rental per owner (exceptions apply); deed restricted / affordable units excluded
Operational Requirements
Occupancy Limits: roughly one person per 250 sq ft of gross floor area,
Parking: 1 parking spot required per 800 sq ft of dwelling space
Local Contact Required: Berkshire County resident required to be able to respond to any and all situations 7 days a week, 24 hours a day —> Contact Us
Safety: smoke & CO alarms, fire extinguishers, egress compliance, and other building/health code requirements.
Taxes: collect and remit applicable occupancy, local, and state taxes per DOR guidance.
Step by Step Registration Process
Pre-check eligibility: confirm the property is not deed‑restricted and you do not already have another registered STR in Pittsfield.
Manager: Find and hire a local property manager
Register with Massachusetts DOR: enroll in the state STR/occupancy tax registry and obtain any required tax IDs.
Register with Pittsfield City Clerk: create an entry in the city’s property/STR registration portal.
Site Plan Review: obtain administrative Site Plan Approval (if applicable) from Community Development if required prior to licensing.
Inspections: pass Building, Fire, and Health inspections and retain certificates.
Apply for a Short‑Term Rental License: submit attestations, inspection certificates, local agent contact, proof of DOR and City Clerk registration, abutter notification (if required), and pay the initial fee.
Maintain & renew: renew the license annually, make sure you don’t book more than 150 nights, and keep DOR registration current.
Helpful Links
That’s another BnB Bulletin for ya ! If you’re interested in our services for your own Short Term Rental, we’re taking on new clients through April 1, 2026. Hit the link below to set up an intro call.
Happy hosting,
- Jaryn