Starting a short-term rental business can be a great way to earn income and become more involved in the real estate industry. If you are thinking using your property as an Airbnb in California, there are certain regulations you must follow.
Under California law, a short-term rental occurs when a residential property or part of a residential property is rented to another party for up to 30 consecutive days. Each city in California has its own rules when it comes to permits and other restrictions. However, here are some of the general rules for property owners to follow to avoid potential legal issues:
- Application fees: You will have to register your business with the city and pay the necessary fees.
- Occupancy limits: You will likely need to reside in the short-term rental property for part of the year (at least 275 nights per year in San Francisco). There may also be restrictions placed on the type of structure (e.g., no renting out an attic), location of the property (e.g., no short-term rentals in certain districts), and the number of occupants per rental unit (e.g., a maximum of two adults per bedroom), and length of the stay, (e.g., minimum stay of 5 days).
- Safety: You may have to provide adequate safety when renting out your property. For example, state ordinances may require you to post signs regarding emergency exits, have an on-call person to handle emergencies, and maintain the building so that it stays up to code.
- Other: You may be required to adhere to noise ordinances, parking restrictions, and trash/garbage regulations.
It is essential for property owners to follow all rules and regulations when renting out their properties to guests. Failure to follow these rules could result in disputes involving landlord/tenant matters and conflict with city officials.