Short-Term Rentals Will Get Hotel Treatment Under New Massachusetts Airbnb Law

Short-term rentals in Massachusetts will eventually be taxed at the same rate as hotels under a newly enacted law, but the most popular short-term rental website is ready to fight back.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill into law in late December aimed at regulating short-term rentals. The new measure goes into effect July 1 and requires all hosts to register with the state, requires them to carry insurance and will tack on the same 5.7% state tax to short-term rentals that is already in place for hotels.