From the City of Cambridge, on April 4, 2018: A Short-Term Rental Ordinance that went into effect April 1 regulates the rental of property for transient housing, meaning stays of 30 or fewer days, through services such as Airbnb and Home Away. Residents who plan to use their residential property for short-term rentals must meet eligibility requirements (including living in or next to to the rental) and were to have registered with the city’s Inspectional Services Department by April 1.

Research shows that Cambridge has hundreds of short-term rental units available that, under the new law, must comply with building code, life safety regulations and health and hygiene standards. To qualify for a short-term rental certificate of registration, the respective dwelling unit or bedroom must pass a city inspection.

The city’s Inspectional Services Department plans to host two informal drop-in sessions in April to let residents ask questions about the new law, learn more about eligibility requirements and the process of getting a certificate of registration and check on the specific conditions of their dwelling unit. Both sessions will be held in the Basement Conference Room of the Lombardi Building, 831 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square.

Session for multifamily property owners from  5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 17. For landlords with more than four units, but no condominium association.

General information session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 24. For Cambridge residents who wish to use their residential property for short-term rental.

For information, visit cambridgema.gov/shorttermrental.