Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 15 § 15-9
Enforcement
Operative Text
(a) Enforcement by city. The provisions of this section may be enforced in accordance with the noncriminal disposition process of M.G.L.A. ch. 40 , § 21D, and, if applicable, by seeking to restrain a violation by injunction. A violation of this section shall be sufficient cause for revocation of the right to operate the short-term rental and/or a penalty by a non-criminal disposition, as provided in M.G.L.A. ch. 40 , § 210, in an amount set forth in section 1-1 0 of this Code. Any person aggrieved by the revocation of the right to operate a short-term rental, or the imposition of a penalty may file an appeal as provided by the general laws. (b) Enforcement by booking agent. The city shall enter into agreements with booking agents for assistance in enforcing the provisions of this section, including, but not limited to, an agreement, whereby the booking agent agrees to remove a listing from its platform that is deemed ineligible for use as a short-term rental under the provisions of this ordinance and whereby the booking agent agrees to prohibit host from listing any short-term rental without proof of registration. Where the City is unable to enter into such agreements, the City shall inform the booking agent of the ineligibility of a listing and if applicable, seek injunctive relief.
Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 15 § 15-9 establishes two parallel tracks for enforcing the city's short-term rental rules. On the government side, the city may pursue noncriminal fines under Massachusetts General Law, seek a court injunction to stop ongoing violations, or revoke a host's right to operate a short-term rental altogether. On the platform side, the city works—or attempts to work—through agreements with booking agents such that non-compliant listings can be removed and unregistered hosts can be blocked from listing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 15 § 15-9, operators who stay in compliance with registration and other short-term rental requirements reduce their exposure to the enforcement mechanisms the city holds: noncriminal fines, loss of operating rights, and potential injunctive action. Compliant operators generally maintain current registration documentation and are prepared to demonstrate proof of registration, since booking agents that have entered city agreements may be required to verify that status before allowing a listing to remain active. Hosts whose operating rights are revoked or who receive a penalty do have a right of appeal under Massachusetts general laws.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 15 § 15-9 gives the city meaningful tools to act on short-term rental violations, which can be relevant to neighbors or tenants affected by an improperly operating unit. If you believe a short-term rental in your building or neighborhood is operating without proper registration or in violation of the ordinance, you may contact the City of Salem to report the concern, as the city has authority to issue fines, revoke operating rights, and coordinate with booking platforms to remove ineligible listings. Tenant-rights organizations and local housing agencies can help you understand how this provision may relate to your situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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