Great Barrington, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 145 § 145-2
Definitions (Great Barrington Short-Term Rental of Residential Properties)
Operative Text
For this chapter, the following terms shall have the definitions indicated: OWNER Any person who alone, or severally with others, has legal or equitable title or beneficial interest in any dwelling unit; a mortgagee in possession; or agent, trustee or person appointed by the courts. An owner can be a single person, a marital unit, a group of people, LLC or a trust. The owner may also be referred to as the operator, or the host. SHORT-TERM RENTAL The rental of a whole or a portion of a residential or secondary dwelling unit, in exchange for payment, as residential accommodations for not more than 30 consecutive days, excluding a hotel, motel, or lodging house or tourist home for transient guests as defined and permitted under the Zoning Bylaw. [1] [1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 171 , Zoning.
Great Barrington, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 145 § 145-2 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the town's short-term rental regulations. Under this provision, an 'owner' is broadly defined to include individuals, married couples, groups, LLCs, trusts, mortgagees in possession, and court-appointed agents or trustees — and may also be called an 'operator' or 'host.' A 'short-term rental' covers the rental of all or part of a residential or secondary dwelling unit for 30 consecutive days or fewer in exchange for payment, but explicitly excludes hotels, motels, lodging houses, and tourist homes as defined under the town's Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 171).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under CH. 145 § 145-2 should be aware that the chapter's rules apply to a wide range of ownership structures, including LLCs and trusts, and that the terms 'owner,' 'operator,' and 'host' are used interchangeably throughout the chapter. Compliant operators generally ensure that any rental arrangement of 30 consecutive days or fewer — whether of a whole unit or just a portion — is treated as a short-term rental subject to the chapter's requirements. Those operating hotels, motels, lodging houses, or tourist homes as defined under Ch. 171 Zoning should confirm whether their property type falls outside this chapter's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For renters in Great Barrington, CH. 145 § 145-2 clarifies what types of arrangements and properties fall under the town's short-term rental framework. If a rental is for 30 consecutive days or fewer and involves a residential or secondary dwelling unit, it is likely covered by this chapter's definitions and associated rules. Tenants or guests who believe a rental arrangement may be misclassified or improperly regulated can consult the town's relevant bylaws or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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