Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Oakland, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Oakland, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (<30 days) are restricted to 'Bed and Breakfast' or 'Transient Habitation' categories; Bed and Breakfasts must be owner-occupied with no more than 6 guest units and 12 guests. Rental of Secondary Units (ADUs) for less than 30 days is explicitly prohibited per Planning Code Section 17.103.080(A)(2). 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 (<30 days) are restricted to 'Bed and Breakfast' or 'Transient Habitation' categories; Bed and Breakfasts must be owner-occupied with no more than 6 guest units and 12 guests. Rental of Secondary Units (ADUs) for less than 30 days is explicitly prohibited per Planning Code Section 17.103.080(A)(2).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Oakland. 1. Determine if the property qualifies as a Bed and Breakfast or Semi-Transient activity under Planning Code Title 17. 2. Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) through the Planning Department. 3. Register for and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and pay required business taxes.

1. Determine if the property qualifies as a Bed and Breakfast or Semi-Transient activity under Planning Code Title 17. 2. Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) through the Planning Department. 3. Register for and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and pay required business taxes.

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