Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Riverside, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term residential rentals are permitted only for legally permitted dwelling units and are prohibited in units with deed restrictions or government-imposed conditions that bar STR use. Operators must comply with transient occupancy tax collection, post and staff a 24/7 designated local contact (posted on the exterior), provide the City Good Neighbor Brochure to renters, retain renter contact/acknowledgement records for three years, limit occupancy to two people per bedroom plus one, and may not use units as event venues except as allowed under the code.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain a City business tax certificate (Chapter 5.04) before renting or advertising; 2) Apply for and obtain the short‑term residential rental permit as required by Chapter 5.55 and comply with operational conditions (designated local contact, posted contact info, Good Neighbor Brochure provided and signed acknowledgement, occupancy limits, record retention); 3) Register for and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) through the City’s TOT process.

Official Resources

Official Riverside STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Riverside, CA?
Short-term residential rentals are permitted only for legally permitted dwelling units and are prohibited in units with deed restrictions or government-imposed conditions that bar STR use. Operators must comply with transient occupancy tax collection, post and staff a 24/7 designated local contact (posted on the exterior), provide the City Good Neighbor Brochure to renters, retain renter contact/acknowledgement records for three years, limit occupancy to two people per bedroom plus one, and may not use units as event venues except as allowed under the code.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Riverside?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Riverside. 1) Obtain a City business tax certificate (Chapter 5.04) before renting or advertising; 2) Apply for and obtain the short‑term residential rental permit as required by Chapter 5.55 and comply with operational conditions (designated local contact, posted contact info, Good Neighbor Brochure provided and signed acknowledgement, occupancy limits, record retention); 3) Register for and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) through the City’s TOT process.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Riverside?
1) Obtain a City business tax certificate (Chapter 5.04) before renting or advertising; 2) Apply for and obtain the short‑term residential rental permit as required by Chapter 5.55 and comply with operational conditions (designated local contact, posted contact info, Good Neighbor Brochure provided and signed acknowledgement, occupancy limits, record retention); 3) Register for and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) through the City’s TOT process.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Riverside, CA?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction