Cambridge City Council Considers 90-Day Limit on Short Term Rentals Amid Community Concerns

The Cambridge Ordinance Committee convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to short-term rental regulations, focusing on the potential implementation of a 90-day rental limit for properties listed on platforms like Airbnb. The meeting highlighted the need for clearer definitions and enforcement mechanisms to address concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on the local housing market.

A key point of discussion was the rationale behind the proposed 90-day limit, which aligns with regulations in neighboring cities such as Somerville. Committee members emphasized that this limit would not prevent property owners from renting their homes for longer periods through traditional leases, but would specifically restrict short-term rentals to 90 days per year. This approach aims to balance the interests of homeowners who wish to rent their properties while preserving long-term housing availability for residents.

Concerns were raised about the clarity of existing definitions related to owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals. Some committee members advocated for distinct registration types to simplify enforcement and ensure compliance with regulations. The discussion also touched on the challenges of identifying illegal rentals and the need for improved public access to rental registration databases.

Councilor Susie proposed that short-term rentals in condominium associations should only be permitted if the associations themselves support such arrangements, aiming to protect older associations with pre-existing bylaws against short-term rentals. The committee acknowledged the importance of community engagement in the decision-making process, with plans for outreach to condo associations and broader community members to gather input on the proposed changes.

As the meeting concluded, the committee decided to keep the current petition in committee while allowing time for community feedback and further discussions. The next steps will involve filing a new policy order to formalize the proposed changes and ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the conversation. The committee's actions reflect a commitment to addressing the complexities of short-term rentals while considering the needs of both property owners and the community at large.