Following Select Board approval at its meeting on January 9, 2023, the Provincetown Board of Health’s (BOH) proposed fee schedule change will increase the fee for a Short-Term Rental Certificate to $750.00 per year, effective January 19, 2023.
The current BOH regulation was last revised in 2016, prior to the enactment of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue short-term rental registration and tax requirements at https://www.mass.gov/info‐details/room‐occupancy‐excise‐tax.
Since then, the Provincetown community has raised concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on housing for year-round residents and the seasonal workforce. Revenues from this increased fee will go into the Town’s General Fund to help support additional enforcement and compliance of BOH Habitations for Rent regulations as well as additional housing-related efforts.
At its Public Hearing on December 15, 2022, the BOH passed this fee increase and also updated its Rental Certificate program to create two types of certificates: a Long-Term Certificate (rental period of greater than 31 days) and a Short-Term Certificate (rental period of 31 days or fewer). The fee for the new Short-Term Certificate will be $750.00 for one year and the Long-Term Certificate fee is unchanged from the previous Rental Certificate fee of $300 for three years. This differentiation in Rental Certificates will help the Town gather data that more accurately reflects the type and duration of rentals taking place in Provincetown.
All properties that are rented, or offered for rent, must have the correct Rental Certificate. This includes property that is rented as part of a work agreement, or other non-payment arrangement. All rental properties are required to meet the Minimum Standards of Human Habitability (105 CMR 410). Properties operated solely as hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts do not require rental certificates.
Rental Certificates can be applied for via the Town’s Online Services portal at https://provincetownma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1087 or in person at the Community Development Department located on the Lower Level of Town Hall.
If a property is discovered to be renting without the correct Rental Certificate, double fees will be assessed. Fines of up to $300 per day may be applicable as well.