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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Davis, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (stays 30 days or less) are limited to 90 days per calendar year. Affordable/low-income units and ADUs/JADUs are prohibited from STR use. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one, and owners must maintain a business license and pay Transient Occupancy Tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register the Residential Unit annually as a Short-Term Rental on the City form furnished by the Director. 2) Obtain and maintain a City business license and remit applicable Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). 3) Maintain required records for two years and comply with city inspections.

Official Resources

Official Davis STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Davis, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Davis, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (stays 30 days or less) are limited to 90 days per calendar year. Affordable/low-income units and ADUs/JADUs are prohibited from STR use. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one, and owners must maintain a business license and pay Transient Occupancy Tax. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Davis, CA?
Short-term rentals (stays 30 days or less) are limited to 90 days per calendar year. Affordable/low-income units and ADUs/JADUs are prohibited from STR use. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one, and owners must maintain a business license and pay Transient Occupancy Tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Davis?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Davis. 1) Register the Residential Unit annually as a Short-Term Rental on the City form furnished by the Director. 2) Obtain and maintain a City business license and remit applicable Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). 3) Maintain required records for two years and comply with city inspections.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Davis?
1) Register the Residential Unit annually as a Short-Term Rental on the City form furnished by the Director. 2) Obtain and maintain a City business license and remit applicable Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). 3) Maintain required records for two years and comply with city inspections.
Is Vrbo legal in Davis, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Davis, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Davis?
Short-term rental hosts in Davis 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Davis?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Davis. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction