Palm Springs, CA

It’s important for you to understand your local laws if you want to become an Airbnb host. We provide a platform and marketplace, but we don’t provide legal advice. Even so, we want to share some information to help you understand laws and other rules that relate to short-term rentals in Palm Springs. This article isn’t exhaustive, but it should help you start your research on local laws. If you have questions, contact the Vacation Rental Compliance Department or another local authority, such a local lawyer or tax professional. You can also check Palm Springs’ Short-Term Vacation Rental FAQ.

City rules

The information in this article only applies to the City of Palm Springs. If you live in another city or unincorporated Riverside County, please contact your local city administrator or planning department for more information.

Operational requirements

Palm Springs requires a “responsible person” over the age of 25 to:

• Sign a contract with the operator
• Meet and greet guests in person to explain the local rules and regulations
• Obtain a signature of receipt of the Statement of Rules and Regulations/Good Neighbor Brochure

License requirements

Palm Springs’ short-term residential rental ordinance sets operational standards and license requirements for hosts of all short-term rentals in Palm Springs. The ordinance states that you need a Vacation Rental/Homeshare Registration Certificate and a Transient Occupancy Tax permit in order to legally operate any short-term rental. We suggest that you take time to familiarize yourself with the ordinance in order to understand your responsibilities.

Palm Springs recognizes two types of short-term rentals:

1. A homeshare is a rental of one or more bedroom for 28 or fewer days while the owner resides in the home throughout the duration
2. A vacation rental is any accommodation that is available for 28 or fewer days without the owner present

The penalties for operating a vacation rental or homeshare without a Registration Certificate include a $5,000 fine from the City of Palm Springs and permanent ineligibility for Vacation Rental operations.

Check the City’s short-term vacation rental tool kit for more information about requirements that apply to both individual operators and vacation rental agencies.

Advertising requirements

You’ll get a four-digit City ID number when you complete your application for a Vacation Rental/Homeshare Certificate. Include that number in the description of your listing in the following format: “The City of Palm Springs ID #XXXX”.

Transient Occupancy Tax

Palm Springs assesses transient lodging taxes on hotels, inns, vacation homes or houses, and other short-term rentals. Transient Occupancy Tax must be reported and paid to the City each month. Check the City’s Vacation Rental TOT Information page for more information about the transient occupancy tax.

TBID Assessment

The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) was re-established in 2020 and includes short-term vacation rentals. As of July 1, 2021, all vacation rental lodging in the district, including Palm Springs, must pay the 1% TBID assessment on short term stays of less than 28 days. Visit the TBID website to learn more.

Safety standards

Palm Springs enforces rules and regulations with respect to the habitability, health, and safety of short term rental units. Your short-term rental property will be required to undergo a safety inspection during the initial Vacation Rental Certificate application process and each time you renew. Check the City’s Vacation Rental and Homeshare Safety Inspection Form for information on what’s included in an inspection.

Other rules

This article is about City rules and regulations, but remember to check with your community about other types of local rules if your home belongs to a condo complex, HOA, timeshare, or other tenant organization. If you lease, check your contract or contact your landlord to make sure you’re permitted to sublet.

Occupancy limits

Occupancy per bedroom is limited to 2 adult overnight guests and 1 vehicle.

Night limits

Vacation rentals have annual limits for guest stays, which is 32 guest stays per calendar year with an additional 4 guest stays during July, August, and September. The number of stays is prorated for the first year a Registration Certificate is in effect.

Homeshares do not have annual limits for guest stays.

The City of Palm Springs Vacation Rental Hotline

If you need to report an active complaint about a vacation rental/homeshare or event house in your neighborhood, please call (760) 322-8383

The City of Palm Springs asks that you:

• Call during the event
• Please do not call the police in a non-emergency situation
• Provide the vacation rental property address
• Describe the disturbance
• Allowing access to your yard will help them witness any violation
• Let the hotline operator know if you want a call back with a resolution

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the short-term rental community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.