Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cardiff By The Sea, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Cardiff By The Sea, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are categorized as 'hosted' or 'non-hosted'; non-hosted units require a three-night minimum stay. Operators must resolve complaints within one hour, maintain current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting, and display 24/7 contact information on the permit or the City’s Short-term Rental Viewer. 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 categorized as 'hosted' or 'non-hosted'; non-hosted units require a three-night minimum stay. Operators must resolve complaints within one hour, maintain current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting, and display 24/7 contact information on the permit or the City’s Short-term Rental Viewer.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cardiff By The Sea. 1) Register and submit an application online via the City’s Customer Self Service portal. 2) Pay the $425 application/renewal fee and certify that Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting is current. 3) Provide a 24/7 emergency contact and ensure the permit is displayed at the rental unit.

1) Register and submit an application online via the City’s Customer Self Service portal. 2) Pay the $425 application/renewal fee and certify that Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) reporting is current. 3) Provide a 24/7 emergency contact and ensure the permit is displayed at the rental unit.

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