Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Alameda County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Alameda County, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are included in the mandatory Rental Housing Registry and require an annual registration fee and a designated contact representative. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs are generally prohibited from being used as short-term rentals (less than 30 days). Owners may also be required to obtain an annual business license depending on specific circumstances. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are included in the mandatory Rental Housing Registry and require an annual registration fee and a designated contact representative. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs are generally prohibited from being used as short-term rentals (less than 30 days). Owners may also be required to obtain an annual business license depending on specific circumstances.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Alameda County. 1. Register the rental unit with the Alameda County Housing & Community Development department using the required form. 2. Designate a Contact Representative and pay the annual registration fee (due by July 31). 3. Update the registration annually by July 1 and obtain a business license if required by the county.

1. Register the rental unit with the Alameda County Housing & Community Development department using the required form. 2. Designate a Contact Representative and pay the annual registration fee (due by July 31). 3. Update the registration annually by July 1 and obtain a business license if required by the county.

Vrbo is permitted in Alameda County, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Alameda County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Alameda County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.