In a recent meeting of the Cambridge Ordinance Committee, city officials discussed potential updates to the short-term rental ordinance, reflecting ongoing concerns about housing availability and community impact. The meeting, held on August 27, 2025, highlighted the need for stronger regulations on short-term rentals, particularly those that operate similarly to hotels.

Councilor Sabrina Wheeler and Councilor Nolan proposed a policy order aimed at introducing a 90-day limit on whole unit rentals for owner-occupied properties. This change is intended to ensure that homes are not used primarily as short-term rentals, which can exacerbate housing shortages in the city. The proposal also includes a requirement for evidence of owner and condo association approval, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in rental practices.

Wheeler noted that the landscape of short-term rentals has evolved significantly since the original ordinance was passed, with many communities, including Boston and Somerville, implementing stricter regulations. The councilors expressed the need for Cambridge to adapt its policies to reflect these changes and to ensure that properties used for short-term rentals are not detracting from the availability of long-term housing options.

A significant point of discussion was the enforcement of existing regulations. Currently, it is estimated that around 700 short-term rentals operate in Cambridge, but less than 25% comply with the law. The committee emphasized the importance of making the list of registered short-term rentals more accessible to the public, which could aid in enforcement efforts. Councilor Wheeler suggested that a simple online link to this information could help residents verify the legitimacy of rentals in their neighborhoods.

The meeting also touched on the city's engagement with short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. Officials discussed ongoing conversations aimed at achieving voluntary compliance from these companies, including the development of an open API system to facilitate real-time data sharing. This approach could streamline enforcement by allowing the city to quickly identify unregistered units.

As the committee continues to refine the short-term rental ordinance, the discussions underscored the balance between supporting property owners and protecting the community's housing needs. The proposed changes will be further evaluated in upcoming meetings, with the councilors expressing a commitment to ensuring that Cambridge's rental policies remain effective and relevant in a changing housing landscape.