Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Menlo Park, CA

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Menlo Park, CA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals (30 days or less) must register with the City and obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. Operators are required to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at the current city rate (15.5% as of 2026), maintain records for three years, and post the registration certificate conspicuously on the premises. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (30 days or less) must register with the City and obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. Operators are required to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at the current city rate (15.5% as of 2026), maintain records for three years, and post the registration certificate conspicuously on the premises.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Menlo Park. 1. Register for an account through the Menlo Park TOT Processing Center (HdL) portal at menlopark.hdlgov.com. 2. Complete the registration form to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. 3. Post the certificate on the premises and file monthly or quarterly TOT returns as required by the tax administrator.

1. Register for an account through the Menlo Park TOT Processing Center (HdL) portal at menlopark.hdlgov.com. 2. Complete the registration form to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. 3. Post the certificate on the premises and file monthly or quarterly TOT returns as required by the tax administrator.

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Menlo Park, CA, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

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