Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Lexington Massachusetts.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lexington, Massachusetts for 2024

Definition and Eligibility

• A Short Term Rental (STR) is the rental of a dwelling unit or a bedroom within a dwelling unit for less than 30 consecutive days, excluding bed-and-breakfast homes, hotels, and motels.

Types of Eligible Rentals

• Operator-Occupied: Residents can rent their entire dwelling unit or up to two bedrooms within their dwelling unit to one party at a time.
• Operator-Adjacent: Residents can rent one entire dwelling unit adjacent to their primary residence to one party at a time.

Prohibited Rentals

• Dwelling units designated as affordable or income-restricted.
• Accessory Apartments.
• Dwelling units on lots containing three or more dwelling units.
• Any dwelling unit in violation of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.3.

Registration and Licensing

• All short-term rental operators must register with the Building and Zoning Office annually.
• Operators must undergo an inspection by the Building and Zoning Office to obtain a Certificate of Registration.

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum of 12 guests in residential zones.
• No more than two adult guests per bedroom or ten guests per dwelling unit, whichever is fewer.

Parking Restrictions

• Limited to one vehicle per lawful bedroom in the short-term rental, with a maximum of four vehicles on the lot.

Safety and Compliance

• Regular safety inspections and adherence to building and fire codes.
• Maintenance of liability insurance appropriate to cover the short-term rental use.

Operational Guidelines

• Short-term rentals cannot be rented for hourly rates or for durations of less than ten consecutive hours.
• Short-term rentals cannot exceed 120 consecutive or nonconsecutive days per calendar year when the operator is not occupying the dwelling unit.

Community Impact

• No concurrent rental of rooming units.
• Prohibition of short-term rentals on lots with more than two dwelling units to preserve multi-family housing stock.

Taxation

• Operators may be subject to a community impact fee up to 3% if they have more than one property in the locality or are renting an owner-occupied 2 or 3 family house on a short-term basis.

Other Requirements

• The property must be current with all town taxes, water, and sewage charges.
• No events are permitted in short-term rentals.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Lexington, Massachusetts

East Lexington

• Appeal: East Lexington offers a high concentration of vacation rentals, with over 90 properties available. Guests are attracted to its central location, ease of access to Boston, and the proximity to local amenities such as restaurants, shops, and tourist spots.
• Amenities: Many rentals in this area include WiFi, dedicated workspaces, and some have pools and outdoor seating, making it an ideal choice for both business travelers and families.

Meriam Hill

• Appeal: With over 160 vacation rentals, Meriam Hill is a popular choice due to its safe and friendly community. Guests appreciate the convenience to town center, nature trails like the Lower Vine Brook forest trail, and easy access to Boston.
• Amenities: Rentals here often feature enhanced cleaning protocols, private HVAC systems, and no-contact check-in and checkout, enhancing guest comfort and safety.

Turning Mill Neighborhood

• Appeal: Known for its mid-century modern homes designed by architect Walter Pierce of MIT, this neighborhood attracts guests seeking a unique and serene environment. The area is surrounded by conservation land, offering a peaceful retreat.
• Amenities: Homes here are highly rated for their stylish design, sweeping ceilings, giant windows, and private bathrooms. Discounts for longer stays make it an attractive option for academics, musicians, and engineers.

Historic Lexington

• Appeal: Guests are drawn to the historic charm of Lexington, with many rentals located in newly built in-law apartments or modern farmhouse suites. The area is close to historic sites, restaurants, and shops.
• Amenities: These rentals often include modern amenities such as full kitchens, private entrances, and easy access to nature trails and public transportation.

These neighborhoods are highly appealing due to their combination of historical charm, modern amenities, and convenient locations, making them top generators of Airbnb revenue in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Lexington, Massachusetts

Define Your Property's Aesthetic

• Align your design with the local style and market. Lexington's historical and mid-century modern influences can guide your aesthetic choices.

Focus on Functionality and Comfort

• Ensure that each room is both functional and comfortable for guests. This includes a fully stocked kitchen, a cozy living room, and a well-appointed bedroom.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

• Invest in higher-quality, statement pieces such as couches, coffee tables, and dining room tables. These items define the space and are worth the extra cost.

Avoid Overly Common Furniture

• Steer clear of very common furniture pieces from places like IKEA and Target, as they can make your space feel less unique. Instead, opt for pieces that add character and individuality.

Add Plants and Rugs

• Incorporate plants to liven up the space and use high-quality rugs to enhance the ambiance and comfort of the rooms.

Select Furniture by Room

• Tailor your furniture choices to each room's specific needs. For example, a living room might require a comfortable sofa and a dining room a sturdy table.

Budget Wisely

• Set a budget and prioritize spending on key areas such as the living room or kitchen. Make sacrifices where necessary to stay within budget.

Protect Your Furniture

• Implement measures to protect your furniture from wear and tear, such as using durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Reflect Local Charm

• Incorporate elements that reflect Lexington's historical and cultural charm. This could include local artwork, vintage items, or design elements inspired by the city's architecture.

Ensure Cohesive Design

• Maintain a cohesive design throughout the property to create a welcoming and harmonious space for guests. This includes consistent color schemes, lighting, and decor.

Consider Guest Feedback

• Pay attention to guest reviews and feedback to make adjustments and improvements to your design and furnishings over time.

Discover Lexington, Massachusetts: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

Historical Sites

• Lexington Battle Green: The site where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired. Explore monuments, plaques, and 18th-century buildings.
• Minute Man National Historical Park: Honors the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Walk the Battle Road Trail and visit sites like Fiske Hill and Hartwell Tavern.
• Buckman Tavern: A historic tavern built in 1709, now a museum showcasing life in colonial times.
• Hancock-Clarke House: Built in 1737, this house is where Samuel Adams and John Hancock were warned of the approaching British troops.
• Munroe Tavern: Built in 1735, this tavern served as a field hospital for British soldiers after the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Recreational Activities

• Minuteman Bikeway: A 10-mile paved path perfect for biking or walking, offering scenic views and historic sites.
• Pine Meadows and Stone Meadow Golf Courses: Public golf courses with lessons available from golf professionals.

Cultural and Downtown Experiences

• Lexington Center: The vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy local eateries, boutiques, and live music performances.
• Liberty Ride Trolley Tour: An award-winning trolley tour that covers historical and literary sites in Lexington and Concord, with volunteer guides providing detailed insights.

Insider Tips

Guided Tours

• Guided Trolley Tours: Use the Liberty Ride Trolley or book a private trolley tour to explore Lexington and Concord with costumed guides who bring history to life.
• Walking Tours: Take a guided walking tour around Lexington Battle Green and other historic sites, available year-round.

Local Favorites

• Dining: Recommend local eateries like Artistry on the Green for seared sea scallops, and visit Petra for unique fashions and MA France Gourmet for French delicacies.
• Shopping: Direct guests to independent shops and boutiques in downtown Lexington for unique souvenirs.

Visitor Center

• Lexington Visitors Center: Encourage guests to start their visit here for free information, engaging exhibits, and a unique gift shop. The center also offers guided tours and helpful staff.

Special Events

• Revolutionary Revelry Festival: Inform guests about this month-long festival in May, which celebrates the Revolutionary War history of Lexington.
• Semiquincentennial Celebrations: Mention the upcoming multi-year events and celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the battle of Lexington & Concord.

Practical Tips

• Parking and Amenities: Let guests know about dedicated bus parking, plentiful restrooms, and free parking options near the Visitors Center.
• Outdoor Activities: Suggest enjoying the scenic landscapes along the Minuteman Bikeway or visiting the Colonial-style garden at Munroe Tavern.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Lexington, Massachusetts

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Lexington, Massachusetts, several key practices can be implemented. First, it is crucial to adhere to and communicate noise regulations to your guests. Informing them about quiet hours through clear signage and inclusion in the rental agreement can help maintain a peaceful environment for both the guests and neighboring residents.

Creating a comprehensive digital and physical house manual is also essential. This manual should include detailed instructions on how to use appliances, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important information about the property. This will help reduce the number of inquiries and issues that may arise during the guest's stay.

Simplifying the check-in process can greatly enhance the guest experience. Utilizing smart locks eliminates the need for physical key exchanges, allowing guests to check in at their convenience. Additionally, providing detailed parking instructions accompanied by photos can help guests navigate the property easily and avoid potential parking issues.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure a positive and hassle-free experience for your guests, which in turn can lead to better reviews and higher occupancy rates for your short-term rental business in Lexington.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Lexington, Massachusetts:

House Cleaning Services in Lexington, MA

Adriana's Cleaning

• Local family-owned business
• Services include house cleaning, office cleaning, sanitization, window cleaning, carpet restoration, and janitorial services
• Fully insured and bonded, affordable scheduling options.

Molly Maid of Chelmsford

• Provides residential and commercial cleaning services
• Offers one-time, recurring, move-in/move-out, and special event cleaning
• Custom cleaning plans tailored to individual needs
• Fully insured and bonded.

Merry Maids of Waltham, Acton, & Burlington

• Professional maid services with punctual and well-equipped specialists
• Services include thorough house cleaning, enhanced disinfecting, move-in/move-out cleaning, and deep cleaning
• Flexible scheduling options and real-time messaging service
• Fully licensed, bonded, and insured.

HomePlus Cleaning

• Offers deep house cleaning, regular maid services, and seasonal cleaning
• Uses latest cleaning technology and grade A equipment
• Tailored cleaning plans, veteran-owned, and offers discounts for disabled veterans
• Fully licensed and insured.

Managing Short-Term Rentals in Lexington, Massachusetts: Understanding Fees and Services

In Lexington, Massachusetts, the management of short-term rentals involves a range of services that can significantly impact the overall cost for property owners. Management fees for short-term rentals typically range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive tasks such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum. In contrast, basic services that may only include rent collection and minimal oversight can be less expensive.

Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for specific services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements. These fees can vary based on the property management company and the specific needs of the rental property. Companies like Martin Property Management, for example, offer a range of services including property inspections, tenant screening, and 24/7 maintenance handling, which can be tailored to the owner's requirements. Understanding these fees and services is crucial for property owners to effectively manage their short-term rentals and maximize their revenue.