Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Desert Hot Springs, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Desert Hot Springs, CA, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals are allowed with limits: citywide cap of 4% of total housing parcels; minimum separation between vacation rental parcels generally 250 feet (500 feet in specific neighborhoods); ADUs are not permitted as STRs; three permit types (general, home share, primary residence) exist; owners must provide 24/7 emergency contact and comply with occupancy/parking rules. Transient Occupancy Tax (12%) and GPSTBID (1%) remittance is required. 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.

Vacation rentals are allowed with limits: citywide cap of 4% of total housing parcels; minimum separation between vacation rental parcels generally 250 feet (500 feet in specific neighborhoods); ADUs are not permitted as STRs; three permit types (general, home share, primary residence) exist; owners must provide 24/7 emergency contact and comply with occupancy/parking rules. Transient Occupancy Tax (12%) and GPSTBID (1%) remittance is required.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Desert Hot Springs. 1) Apply for a Vacation Rental Permit via the City’s portal or City Clerk and obtain a business license; 2) Submit application info, proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance, pay fees, and complete mandatory owner training; 3) Pass a City inspection (for new permits). Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

1) Apply for a Vacation Rental Permit via the City’s portal or City Clerk and obtain a business license; 2) Submit application info, proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance, pay fees, and complete mandatory owner training; 3) Pass a City inspection (for new permits). Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

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