Sandwich, Mass., Gen. Bylaws ch. 12 (2025) § 12.05
General Provisions
Operative Text
1) Trash Removal: All household trash shall be removed from the premises once per
week. Trash held overnight shall be secured to deter animal activity.
2) Duration: Renting for less than two (2) consecutive nights is prohibited
3) All smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detectors shall be in compliance with
Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 10th Edition.
4) Type of Rentals:
a) STRs are for Residential uses only.
b) Events that include tents or amplified music shall not be allowed.
5) Pets: Adherence to any and all state and local regulations regarding pets.
6) Use of RVs, campers or sleeping tents as a STR or at an STR location is prohibited.
7) Short Term Rentals shall meet all local and state regulations, including but not limited
to building and fire codes, health codes, water supply and wastewater disposal.Section 12.05 of Sandwich's Short-Term Rental bylaw establishes a set of baseline operating standards that apply to all short-term rentals (STRs) in the town. These standards cover trash handling, a minimum two-consecutive-night stay requirement, detector compliance under Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 10th Edition, residential-only use, pet regulations, and a prohibition on using RVs, campers, or sleeping tents as or at an STR. The provision also requires STRs to satisfy all applicable local and state codes, including building, fire, health, water supply, and wastewater rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of short-term rentals subject to § 12.05 of Sandwich Gen. Bylaws ch. 12 generally ensure that trash is removed weekly and secured overnight to prevent animal disturbance, and that no booking is accepted for fewer than two consecutive nights. Compliant operators keep smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat detectors current with Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 10th Edition, restrict the property to residential use only, and prohibit events with tents or amplified music. They also confirm that no RVs, campers, or sleeping tents are used on-site, and that the property meets all applicable building, fire, health, and wastewater standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 12.05 of Sandwich Gen. Bylaws ch. 12, guests booking a short-term rental are entitled to a property that meets Massachusetts detector codes, proper sanitation standards, and all applicable health and safety regulations. The bylaw also establishes that STRs must be used for residential purposes only, meaning large amplified events or tent gatherings are not permitted on the premises. Tenants who believe a rental does not meet these baseline standards may consider contacting the Town of Sandwich's relevant local enforcement office or a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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