Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Needles, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Needles, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed only with a current city short-term rental permit and a City business license; operators must collect/pay a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (Measure N), post the city-issued permit inside the unit, provide a 24-hour local contact, comply with California Building and Fire Codes, and meet occupancy/parking limits and other operational standards documented in the City inspection checklist. The City also adopted implementing rules (Ordinance 679-AC) to require hosting platforms to display City-issued permit/tax numbers per SB 346. 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 allowed only with a current city short-term rental permit and a City business license; operators must collect/pay a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (Measure N), post the city-issued permit inside the unit, provide a 24-hour local contact, comply with California Building and Fire Codes, and meet occupancy/parking limits and other operational standards documented in the City inspection checklist. The City also adopted implementing rules (Ordinance 679-AC) to require hosting platforms to display City-issued permit/tax numbers per SB 346.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Needles. 1) Complete and submit the City short-term rental application (PDF linked on the City STR page). 2) Obtain a City business license and schedule/complete the property inspection using the City’s Property Inspection Checklist (items include demonstration of compliance with building/fire codes, posting permit/occupant & parking limits, 24-hour contact info, neighbor notice within 300 ft). 3) Remit Transient Occupancy Tax as required; the City issues an Annual Permit (renew annually) upon compliance.

1) Complete and submit the City short-term rental application (PDF linked on the City STR page). 2) Obtain a City business license and schedule/complete the property inspection using the City’s Property Inspection Checklist (items include demonstration of compliance with building/fire codes, posting permit/occupant & parking limits, 24-hour contact info, neighbor notice within 300 ft). 3) Remit Transient Occupancy Tax as required; the City issues an Annual Permit (renew annually) upon compliance.

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