Dennis Short-Term Rental Taxes and Regulations

In this article, HarborBlue Vacations Rentals breaks down the regulations and taxes for Dennis, Massachusetts.

Bottom line is that Dennis has a 14.45% tax on short-term rentals. Dennis also mandates annual registration ($500 / year) and closely regulates trash, noise, and occupancy. Dennis has a much stricter regime than Barnstable or Bourne, for example.

Dennis, MA Short-Term Rental Taxes – 14.45%

  • Massachusetts State Sales Tax – 5.70%
  • State Room Occupancy Tax – 6.00%
  • Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund – 2.75%
  • Community Impact Fee – 0.00%
 

If the home is rented for 14 days or fewer during the year, no tax is due.

Dennis, MA Short-Term Rental Regulations (law available here)

  • Register through MA Tax Connect
  • Obtain Certificate of Registration for properties
  • Carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance 
  • Comply with Massachusetts lead paint law (or have exception signed by tenant)
  • Register with Dennis through the online portal ($500 / year)
  • Property compliance with the town of Dennis checklist
  • Sign a trash rental affidavit
  • Compliance with occupancy limits based on inspection
  • Mandatory Health Inspection for new short-term rentals
  • Compliance with anti-noise bylaw
  • Smoke detector certification


Are you overwhelmed navigating the complex landscape for taxes and compliance on the Cape? Partner with 
HarborBlue Vacation Rentals for hassle-free short-term rental management.

Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes, may not be fully exhaustive, and does not constitute legal / tax advice. For any legal / tax advice, please contact a licensed attorney.