Palm Springs, CA
When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations.
This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit the short-term rental homepage or other government agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.
Actions a Host needs to take
- Review Palm Springs’ STR Ordinance
- Apply for a vacation rental (VR) certificate
- Apply for a transient occupancy tax certificate
- Add your registration number to your listing
Relevant information for Hosts
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:
- 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
- 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”.
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.
Taxes
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.
Airbnb has detailed information about state and local taxes for Hosts available in our Tax Help Center.
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
Other resources to help you Host
- Safety & Airbnb
- Airbnb Resource Center to help you become your best Host
- Palm Springs Ordinance Tool Kit
- Palm Springs Airbnb Host Facebook Group
City of Palm Springs Vacation Rental Hotline: (760) 322-8383
Airbnb isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).