Did you know that San Diego is one of the top vacation rental destinations in the United States? With its beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, and countless attractions, it’s no wonder that thousands of travelers flock to San Diego every year in search of the perfect short-term rental.

However, before you list your property on popular platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, it’s crucial to understand the regulations and laws surrounding short-term rentals in San Diego. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the city’s short-term rental ordinances, licensing requirements, compliance, and enforcement measures, ensuring that you stay on the right side of the law while maximizing your rental income.

Key Takeaways:

  • Familiarize yourself with the Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) Ordinance that applies to all short-term rentals in San Diego.
  • You must obtain a license for your short-term rental, with different license tiers available based on various requirements set by the city.
  • To legally operate a short-term rental in San Diego, you need to obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license, which involves obtaining a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate and ensuring your rental unit business taxes are paid.
  • Compliance with the STRO ordinance is essential to avoid penalties, license revocation, and enforcement actions.
  • Hosting Platforms have specific responsibilities and requirements outlined in the STRO ordinance, making it crucial to understand your obligations as a host.

Short-Term Rental License Requirements in San Diego

To legally operate a short-term rental in San Diego, you must comply with the city’s licensing requirements. Obtaining a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license is an essential step in ensuring compliance and operating your rental property within the law.

The licensing process involves several key requirements and steps that must be followed. These include:

  1. Obtaining a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate: As part of the license application, hosts are required to obtain a TOT Certificate. This certificate allows the city to track and collect the transient occupancy tax from short-term rentals.
  2. Ensuring Rental Unit Business Taxes are Paid: It is crucial to ensure that the rental unit business taxes for your property are in paid status. This helps demonstrate your compliance with local tax regulations.
  3. Submitting a Comprehensive License Application: The STRO license application requires hosts to provide detailed information about their rental property. This includes the property’s address, number of bedrooms, and contact information. Hosts must also estimate the number of days the property will be rented out.
  4. Paying STRO License Fees: Depending on the license tier applicable to your property, different license fees will apply. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid along with the license application.

By fulfilling these requirements and obtaining a valid STRO license, you can ensure that you are operating your short-term rental in San Diego legally and in compliance with local regulations.

Remember, failure to comply with the licensing requirements or renewing the license as per the city’s ordinance may result in penalties or license revocation. It is essential to stay updated with the latest regulations and licensing requirements to maintain a successful and compliant short-term rental business.

Short-term rental license San Diego

“Obtaining a valid Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license is a crucial step in legally operating your short-term rental in San Diego. By fulfilling the licensing requirements and complying with local regulations, you can ensure a successful and compliant rental business.”

Compliance and Enforcement of San Diego Short-Term Rental Regulations

The City of San Diego has implemented comprehensive regulations and requirements to ensure compliance with the Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) Ordinance. As a host, it is crucial for you to understand and fulfill your obligations under this ordinance to avoid potential enforcement actions. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties or even the revocation of your license.

According to the STRO Ordinance, Hosting Platforms have specific responsibilities in facilitating compliance. These platforms are required to provide hosts with information about their obligations under the ordinance. In addition, Hosting Platforms must only process transactions for properties that hold valid STRO licenses. They are also responsible for providing the city with monthly data regarding short-term rental activities.

To ensure compliance, hosts should familiarize themselves with the requirements and reporting guidelines provided by the City of San Diego. It is essential to stay updated on any changes or updates to the STRO Ordinance to avoid potential violations. To access complete information on compliance and enforcement, it is recommended that you consult the full text of the STRO Ordinance.

By adhering to the regulations and fulfilling your responsibilities as a host, you can maintain compliance with the San Diego Short-Term Rental Regulations, ensure a positive experience for your guests, and contribute to a thriving short-term rental market in the city.

FAQ

Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental in San Diego?

Yes, all short-term rentals in the City of San Diego are required to obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license. Operating a short-term rental without a license is unlawful.

How do I apply for a STRO license?

To apply for a STRO license, you need to complete the application process, which includes obtaining a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate and ensuring the rental unit business taxes are in paid status. The application requires property information and an estimation of rental days, along with the payment of applicable license fees.

What are the different license tiers and fees for short-term rentals in San Diego?

The licensing fees for short-term rentals in San Diego vary depending on the license tier. The fees are non-refundable. You can find detailed information on the license tiers and fees on the City of San Diego website.

Are there any enforcement actions if I don’t comply with the STRO ordinance?

Yes, non-compliance with the STRO ordinance may result in enforcement actions, including civil penalties and license revocation. It is crucial to understand and adhere to your obligations as a host to avoid these consequences.

What are the responsibilities of Hosting Platforms under the STRO ordinance?

Hosting Platforms, as defined by the STRO ordinance, have specific responsibilities, including providing hosts with information about their obligations, processing transactions only for properties with valid STRO licenses, and providing data to the city on a monthly basis. Hosting Platforms should familiarize themselves with the requirements and reporting guidelines provided by the city.