California Short-Term Rental Laws by City (2026)
Short-term rental rules in California are set city by city — a property that is legal to rent nightly in one town can be prohibited a few miles away. The table below covers 4 California cities (4 human-verified against official sources), with each city's legal status, permit cost, and last-verified date.
Statewide short-term rental rules in California
California does not impose a single statewide short-term rental permitting regime that we have verified — operating requirements are set at the city (and sometimes county) level. Statewide lodging or occupancy taxes typically still apply; each city page below itemizes the full tax stack for that market.
| City | Status | Permit fee | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Primary residence only | $441 | July 10, 2026 |
| Palm Springs | Restricted | $1,046 | July 10, 2026 |
| San Diego | Permit required | $1,170 | July 10, 2026 |
| San Francisco | Primary residence only | $925 | July 10, 2026 |
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This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations change frequently — verify current requirements with each jurisdiction before operating. HOA and condo rules may prohibit short-term rentals regardless of city law.