Short Term Rental Registration Certificate

Harbor with colorful boats

Effective July 1, 2023, all short term rentals (defined as a residential dwelling, or any bedroom within a dwelling, rented out for thirty (30) days or less) must obtain a rental certificate from the Town of Chatham Health Division prior to rental.  Registration is required to:

  • protect the health, safety, and welfare of occupants of short-term rental units and the public;
  • to ensure that properties are being used in a manner that will not stress the Town's water or sewer infrastructure, or the property's septic infrastructure, and
  • not negatively impact the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.  

The full short term rental property regulation can be found here: Short Term Rental Regulations. 

Key points of the regulation: 

  • Rental certificates are valid from March 1 – February 28.
  • All rental listings must include the Chatham registration number.  
  • Rental certificates are issued to the owner and are non-transferable.  
  • Occupancy will also be limited to two per legal bedroom (as defined by the Board of Health Regulations and approved septic plan/sewer connection) plus two additional occupants
  • Acceptance of a RENTAL registration application by Board of Health shall not be deemed a determination that the proposed SHORT-TERM RENTAL complies with the provisions of the Chatham Zoning Bylaw, Town and State Health Regulations or that the number of bedrooms listed in the registration application will be accepted by the Town.
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