Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Redwood City, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Redwood City, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed citywide only in primary residences; hosted rentals (host present) are unlimited, while un-hosted rentals are capped at 120 days per year. ADUs/JADUs are permitted only if registered with the City prior to January 1, 2020, and special events like weddings or corporate retreats are prohibited. 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 citywide only in primary residences; hosted rentals (host present) are unlimited, while un-hosted rentals are capped at 120 days per year. ADUs/JADUs are permitted only if registered with the City prior to January 1, 2020, and special events like weddings or corporate retreats are prohibited.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Redwood City. 1) Register online through the City’s STR portal and pay the annual registration fee ($420 for FY 2024-2025). 2) Identify a local contact person for un-hosted stays and ensure the property meets primary residence and ADU eligibility. 3) Remit the 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) monthly, typically collected via hosting platforms.

1) Register online through the City’s STR portal and pay the annual registration fee ($420 for FY 2024-2025). 2) Identify a local contact person for un-hosted stays and ensure the property meets primary residence and ADU eligibility. 3) Remit the 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) monthly, typically collected via hosting platforms.

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