Short Term Rental Registration Instructions

Short Term Rental Registration

Existing: The Short-Term Rental Certificate is required for your renters to obtain a beach sticker.

Please provide an electronic or paper copy of the Short-Term Rental Certificate to your renters to upload online when applying for a beach sticker online or a physical copy when applying in person.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 2026

The Select Board has approved the short-term rental registry and fee structure for 2026. All short-term rentals operating in 2026 must complete registration and inspection requirements to receive a Short-Term Rental Certificate.

At the 2026 May Town Meeting the Short-Term Rental Bylaw was approved and is currently being reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office. Once approved, a copy will be available online.

The Short-Term Rental Certificate is required for your renters to obtain a beach sticker.

REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION

If you have not previously used the OpenGov software, you need to Apply Online and select Sign Up. Use your preferred email address and create a password. From there, you will be prompted to enter your contact information and property address to proceed as instructed.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

The online rental registration system will be available starting January 15, 2026. The system will allow property owners to:
Register your short-term rental
Submit required documents
Schedule an inspection
Pay registration and inspection fees

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

All short-term rental properties must meet the following safety requirements:
Functioning smoke detector(s)
Functioning carbon monoxide alarm(s) (if applicable)
Two means of egress
Railings on decks/stairs (if applicable)
Swimming pool has required safety measures in place (if applicable)

FEE STRUCTURE

Registration Fee: $300
Inspection Fee: $120
Total: $420
Payment may be made online (processing fees apply) or by check mailed to The Town of Wellfleet 300 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA 02667. Make check payable to the Town of Wellfleet. Upon receipt of payment, your application will be reviewed and if approved, and you will receive an email with a link to schedule your inspection at a convenient time.
The Building Inspector is available Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12pm – 4pm.

IMPORTANT: Failure to register and complete inspection may result in penalties and prohibition from operating a short-term rental.

For any questions contact the housing coordinator: Ann Schiffenhaus ann.schiffenhaus@wellfleet-ma.gov or 508-349-0300 x 1123.