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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mountain View, CA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Unhosted rentals are limited to 60 days per year, while hosted rentals have no yearly limit. Maximum occupancy is capped at 10 persons, special events are prohibited, and a local contact must be available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an online STR application via the Host Compliance portal. 2. Complete and email the Business License Application, TOT Registration, and Self-certification Affidavit to BusinessLicense@mountainview.gov. 3. Pay the required registration fees and renew annually by December 15.

Regulatory Updates — Mountain View

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

60-Day Unhosted Cap Monitoring via Platform Data

Mountain View began using booking platform data to monitor compliance with the 60-day annual unhosted STR cap, issuing violation notices to operators who exceeded the limit and assessing fines.

PassedMay 2024

Special Event Prohibition Enforcement

Mountain View enforced its prohibition on special events at STR properties, citing operators whose listings advertised event hosting or whose properties hosted gatherings exceeding occupancy limits during Google I/O and other local tech events.

PassedJanuary 2024

Local Contact Response Requirement Added

Mountain View added a local contact response requirement for all STR permits, specifying that operators must designate a contact able to respond to the property within a reasonable time for noise and safety complaints.

Official Resources

Official Mountain View STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Silicon Valley including Mountain View.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring Mountain View's 60-day unhosted cap and opposing further restrictions on Silicon Valley STR markets.

Mountain View Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Mountain View's tech-driven economy, monitoring STR policy for its impact on corporate visitor accommodation near major Silicon Valley employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Mountain View, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Mountain View, CA, but with restrictions. Unhosted rentals are limited to 60 days per year, while hosted rentals have no yearly limit. Maximum occupancy is capped at 10 persons, special events are prohibited, and a local contact must be available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes. 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 Mountain View, CA?
Unhosted rentals are limited to 60 days per year, while hosted rentals have no yearly limit. Maximum occupancy is capped at 10 persons, special events are prohibited, and a local contact must be available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Mountain View?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Mountain View. 1. Submit an online STR application via the Host Compliance portal. 2. Complete and email the Business License Application, TOT Registration, and Self-certification Affidavit to BusinessLicense@mountainview.gov. 3. Pay the required registration fees and renew annually by December 15.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Mountain View?
1. Submit an online STR application via the Host Compliance portal. 2. Complete and email the Business License Application, TOT Registration, and Self-certification Affidavit to BusinessLicense@mountainview.gov. 3. Pay the required registration fees and renew annually by December 15.
Is Vrbo legal in Mountain View, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Mountain View, 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 Mountain View?
Short-term rental hosts in Mountain View 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 Mountain View?
The most recent tracked change in Mountain View is "60-Day Unhosted Cap Monitoring via Platform Data" (2024-09-01, status: passed). Mountain View began using booking platform data to monitor compliance with the 60-day annual unhosted STR cap, issuing violation notices to operators who exceeded the limit and assessing fines. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Is there a night limit on unhosted STRs in Mountain View?
Yes. Unhosted STRs (where the owner is not present) are limited to 60 days per year. Hosted STRs (owner present during the stay) have no annual night cap. If you exceed 60 unhosted rental days, you are in violation — Mountain View monitors booking platform data for compliance.
Can I host corporate events or tech gatherings at my Mountain View STR?
No. Special events are prohibited at STR properties in Mountain View. This includes corporate gatherings, team off-sites, and parties that exceed occupancy limits. Enforce no-event rules in your house policies and listing descriptions to minimize enforcement risk.
Is Mountain View likely to reduce the 60-day unhosted cap?
Possibly. California has no state preemption law, and Mountain View's progressive housing politics could support a lower cap if STR density becomes a housing affordability issue. Monitor city council proceedings — the unhosted cap is the most likely target for future tightening.

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