Operative Text
Short-term rentals subject to the provisions of this bylaw are subject to the room occupancy excise under MGL c. 64G and short-term rental community impact surcharge.
Fairhaven, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 190 § 190-21 establishes that short-term rentals falling under the bylaw's scope are subject to two financial obligations: the Massachusetts room occupancy excise tax under MGL c. 64G, and a local community impact surcharge. These are not optional fees but mandatory levies tied to operating a qualifying short-term rental in Fairhaven. Both obligations apply together whenever a short-term rental meets the bylaw's coverage criteria.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 190 § 190-21, operators of short-term rentals in Fairhaven are generally expected to collect and remit the state room occupancy excise under MGL c. 64G, as well as the local community impact surcharge, for each applicable rental transaction. Compliant operators typically maintain records of all short-term rental activity to ensure accurate reporting and payment of both levies. Familiarity with the MGL c. 64G framework and Fairhaven's surcharge rate is a standard part of managing a lawfully operating short-term rental property in the town.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 190 § 190-21 is primarily directed at short-term rental operators rather than guests, but it is useful for renters to know that the room occupancy excise and community impact surcharge are legally required components of short-term rental transactions in Fairhaven. If a rental listing or agreement appears to misrepresent or improperly handle these fees, tenants or guests may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant local or state authority for guidance. Understanding that these charges are mandated by the bylaw—not arbitrary additions—can help renters evaluate the costs associated with short-term stays in Fairhaven.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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