Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Richmond, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Richmond, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed but regulated: operators must obtain a City business license for each rental parcel (RMC Article VII) and may be required to obtain a Planning Division Home Occupation Authorization and/or building inspection before license issuance. A Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% applies to stays of 30 consecutive days or less; STRs are treated under the City’s business-tax classification (Measure U) as Class E: Hotel/Motel. 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 but regulated: operators must obtain a City business license for each rental parcel (RMC Article VII) and may be required to obtain a Planning Division Home Occupation Authorization and/or building inspection before license issuance. A Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% applies to stays of 30 consecutive days or less; STRs are treated under the City’s business-tax classification (Measure U) as Class E: Hotel/Motel.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Richmond. 1) Apply for a City business license online via the eTrakit portal (https://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/) or in person at Richmond City Hall; 2) During application, obtain zoning compliance/Home Occupation Authorization from the Planning Division and complete any required building inspection; 3) Pay annual business tax per Measure U and register/collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax as required by RMC Chapter 7.88.

1) Apply for a City business license online via the eTrakit portal (https://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/) or in person at Richmond City Hall; 2) During application, obtain zoning compliance/Home Occupation Authorization from the Planning Division and complete any required building inspection; 3) Pay annual business tax per Measure U and register/collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax as required by RMC Chapter 7.88.

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