Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cardiff, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Cardiff, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rental permits are required to rent single-family homes or duplexes for 30 days or less; multi-family dwellings may not be rented short-term and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are prohibited for STRs except for a limited set of existing, grandfathered ADU permits. The City distinguishes 'hosted' and 'non-hosted' units (non-hosted units subject to a three-night minimum), requires a visible permit display, a 24/7 local contact who must respond to complaints within one hour, and up-to-date Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting. 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 rental permits are required to rent single-family homes or duplexes for 30 days or less; multi-family dwellings may not be rented short-term and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are prohibited for STRs except for a limited set of existing, grandfathered ADU permits. The City distinguishes 'hosted' and 'non-hosted' units (non-hosted units subject to a three-night minimum), requires a visible permit display, a 24/7 local contact who must respond to complaints within one hour, and up-to-date Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cardiff. 1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Permit application online through the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal (portal.encinitasca.gov), upload required documents (proof of ownership or owner authorization, site plan, floor plan) and concurrently submit business registration; pay the $425 application/renewal fee. 2) Applications are reviewed concurrently by Planning, Code Enforcement and Finance (approx. two-week review); Code Enforcement schedules and conducts an inspection for safety/occupancy compliance. 3) If approved a 1-year permit is issued; renewals are required annually via CSS with the same documentation, review, inspection, and fee.

1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Permit application online through the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal (portal.encinitasca.gov), upload required documents (proof of ownership or owner authorization, site plan, floor plan) and concurrently submit business registration; pay the $425 application/renewal fee. 2) Applications are reviewed concurrently by Planning, Code Enforcement and Finance (approx. two-week review); Code Enforcement schedules and conducts an inspection for safety/occupancy compliance. 3) If approved a 1-year permit is issued; renewals are required annually via CSS with the same documentation, review, inspection, and fee.

Vrbo is permitted in Cardiff, 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.