Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Riverside County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Riverside County, CA, but with restrictions. Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are permitted in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County with limits: rentals are for less than 30 consecutive days but not less than 2 days; some locations have area-specific limits (e.g., Idyllwild cap of 500 certificates, max 2 certificates per owner/entity, 150-foot separation requirement); certain non-habitable structures and commercial/venue uses (weddings, large events) are prohibited. Temporary moratoria apply to specific unincorporated areas (Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch through Feb 28, 2026). 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 (STRs) are permitted in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County with limits: rentals are for less than 30 consecutive days but not less than 2 days; some locations have area-specific limits (e.g., Idyllwild cap of 500 certificates, max 2 certificates per owner/entity, 150-foot separation requirement); certain non-habitable structures and commercial/venue uses (weddings, large events) are prohibited. Temporary moratoria apply to specific unincorporated areas (Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch through Feb 28, 2026).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Riverside County. 1) Submit an STR application via the County online portal (https://str.deckard.com/ca-riverside/) with required documents (proof of ownership/Grant Deed, TOT certificate, applicant/property owner authorization, indemnification, self-certification checklist) and pay the stated fees. 2) After Planning approval and payment, schedule/prompt Code Enforcement exterior inspection (signage, documentation) by contacting Code Enforcement. 3) Receive STR Certificate (required before advertising); certificates renew annually (initial fee $740; annual renewal fee $540 stated on County site).

1) Submit an STR application via the County online portal (https://str.deckard.com/ca-riverside/) with required documents (proof of ownership/Grant Deed, TOT certificate, applicant/property owner authorization, indemnification, self-certification checklist) and pay the stated fees. 2) After Planning approval and payment, schedule/prompt Code Enforcement exterior inspection (signage, documentation) by contacting Code Enforcement. 3) Receive STR Certificate (required before advertising); certificates renew annually (initial fee $740; annual renewal fee $540 stated on County site).

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