Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bakersfield, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Bakersfield, CA, but with restrictions. No city-specific short-term rental (STR) ordinance is published; activity is governed by transient lodging tax (BMC 3.40) and hotel/lodginghouse rules (BMC 5.26). Operators must remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) monthly; those classified as lodginghouses must maintain guest registers, display permits, and undergo background checks. 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.

No city-specific short-term rental (STR) ordinance is published; activity is governed by transient lodging tax (BMC 3.40) and hotel/lodginghouse rules (BMC 5.26). Operators must remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) monthly; those classified as lodginghouses must maintain guest registers, display permits, and undergo background checks.

Vrbo is permitted in Bakersfield, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.