Short-Term Rental Regulations
in San Mateo, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in San Mateo, CA, but with restrictions. Short-Term Rentals are permitted in legal dwelling units (Accessory Dwelling Units excluded) but are limited by operating standards: primary residences must be registered; when a Host is present on-site rentals may occur unlimited days but when Host is not present a primary residence may be rented as a STR for no more than 120 days per calendar year. Other conditions include a required 24/7 local contact who responds within 60 minutes, parking minimums (1 off-street space for ≤3 bedrooms; 2 for ≥4 bedrooms), occupancy limited to two people per bedroom or 10 people per property (whichever is less), prohibition on special events, and requirement to collect/pay Transient Occupancy Tax and obtain a City business license. 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 permitted in legal dwelling units (Accessory Dwelling Units excluded) but are limited by operating standards: primary residences must be registered; when a Host is present on-site rentals may occur unlimited days but when Host is not present a primary residence may be rented as a STR for no more than 120 days per calendar year. Other conditions include a required 24/7 local contact who responds within 60 minutes, parking minimums (1 off-street space for ≤3 bedrooms; 2 for ≥4 bedrooms), occupancy limited to two people per bedroom or 10 people per property (whichever is less), prohibition on special events, and requirement to collect/pay Transient Occupancy Tax and obtain a City business license.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in San Mateo. 1) Prior to advertising, submit the City’s Short-Term Rental registration form (on the City’s form/portal) for the primary residence, including host and local contact information and acknowledgement of compliance; 2) Pay the filing fee established by City Council resolution, obtain/maintain a City business license and complete transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification; 3) Registration is reviewed by the Community Development Director, approved when complete and compliant, is valid on a fiscal-year basis and must be renewed annually (renewal fees due no later than July 1).

1) Prior to advertising, submit the City’s Short-Term Rental registration form (on the City’s form/portal) for the primary residence, including host and local contact information and acknowledgement of compliance; 2) Pay the filing fee established by City Council resolution, obtain/maintain a City business license and complete transient occupancy tax (TOT) certification; 3) Registration is reviewed by the Community Development Director, approved when complete and compliant, is valid on a fiscal-year basis and must be renewed annually (renewal fees due no later than July 1).

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