Roseville Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Roseville, California?

Roseville, California, has regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) that require a permit and business license to operate. The permit allows you to rent a single-family dwelling or part of a single-family dwelling on a short-term basis, which is 30 days or less to the same person.

The city requires a short-term rental permit to operate a short-term rental business, and the permit is an annual permit that must be renewed each year. The city also requires STRs to pay a three percent lodging tax, previously only required of hotels in Roseville. The city council has paused licensing new short-term rentals while re-evaluating the role of these properties after residents raised concerns about party houses disrupting their neighborhoods. Despite mixed opinions among Airbnb hosts in Roseville, some still operate in the city and find the benefits of short-term rentals outweigh the challenges.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Roseville

Are you looking to start a short-term rental business in Roseville, California? Here's what you need to know. First, you must obtain a short-term rental permit, which allows you to rent a single-family dwelling or part of a single-family dwelling on a short-term basis, which is 30 days or less to the same person. Short-term rentals are not allowed in single-family residences that are not the primary dwelling of the owner.

The permit is an annual permit and must be renewed each year, based on the day the permit was issued. A business license is also required in addition to a permit, and business licenses are renewed each calendar year by January 31st.

To apply for a short-term rental permit in Roseville, you need to provide the following documents:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate,
• Proof of Liability Insurance,
• Defensible Space Inspection
• Proof of Primary Homeowner Exemption
• Payment Fee.

The City of Roseville has an ordinance to allow short-term rentals (STR) within single-family homes. According to the ordinance, homeowners can rent out their primary dwelling in full or in part to a maximum of six people for no more than 30 days at a time.

The ordinance includes licensing and minimum stay requirements for non-owner occupied properties. Owner-occupied properties are exempt from both requirements. Short-term rentals will also be required to pay the city’s three percent lodging tax, previously required only of hotels in Roseville. The on-season minimum stay requirement will be 10 days from May through September, with off-season minimum stays from October through April set at seven days.

The ordinance also allows the city to suspend or revoke licenses for noise, parking, or other nuisance violations, and for criminal behavior.The City of Roseville has rules and regulations that specify minimum design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements.

Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to consult Buildings and Construction for more information.Effective February 13, 2023, the City of Roseville is no longer accepting new applications for Short Term Rental Licenses until further notice.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Roseville

In Roseville, California, short-term rentals are regulated by the city's ordinance, which requires licensing and minimum stay requirements for non-owner-occupied units5. The ordinance aims to maintain a balance between the benefits of short-term rentals and the need to protect the community's interests.

Licensing Process

To operate a short-term rental business in Roseville, you must obtain a short-term rental permit and a business license4. The short-term rental permit is an annual permit that must be renewed each year based on the day the permit was issued4. The business license is required in addition to the short-term rental permit, and business licenses are renewed each calendar year by January 31st4.

Minimum Stay Requirements

The ordinance sets minimum stay requirements for non-owner-occupied properties. During the on-season (from May through September), the minimum stay is 10 days, while during the off-season (from October through April), the minimum stay is 7 days5. These requirements help maintain a balance between the needs of short-term renters and the community's interests.

Owner-Occupied Properties

Owner-occupied properties are exempt from the licensing and minimum stay requirements5. This exemption recognizes the unique circumstances and potential benefits of owner-occupied short-term rentals.

Enforcement and Violations

The ordinance allows the city to suspend or revoke licenses for noise, parking, or other nuisance violations, as well as for criminal behavior5.

This enforcement mechanism helps ensure that short-term rentals operate responsibly and contribute positively to the community.

Required Documents for Roseville Short Term Rentals

In Roseville, California, short-term rentals are subject to specific regulations and requirements. To operate a short-term rental business legally, you need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses.

Here is a list of required documents for Roseville short-term rentals:

Short-term Rental Permit: This annual permit is required for operating a short-term rental business in Roseville. It must be renewed each year based on the day the permit was issued7.

Business License: In addition to the short-term rental permit, you will also need a business license. Business licenses are renewed each calendar year by January 31st7.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate: This certificate is required for all short-term rentals in Roseville. It is a tax imposed on any person who, for any period of not more than 30 consecutive days, obtains lodging or the use of any lodging space in any public or private hotel, inn, hostelry, tourist home or house, motel, roominghouse, or other lodging place within the city offering lodging, wherein the owner and operator thereof, for compensation, furnishes lodging to any person or entity7.

Proof of Liability Insurance: You must provide proof of liability insurance to cover potential damages related to your short-term rental business.

Defensible Space Inspection: A defensible space inspection is required to ensure that your property meets the necessary safety and security standards.

Proof of Primary Homeowner Exemption: You must provide proof that your short-term rental is an exemption of your primary residence4.

Payment Fee: There is a fee associated with obtaining a short-term rental permit and business license. The permit costs $185, and the yearly renewal is $857.

Roseville Short Term Rental Taxes

Roseville, California, requires hosts to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for short-term rentals. TOT is a tax imposed on any person who, for any period of not more than 30 consecutive days, obtains lodging or the use of any lodging space in any public or private hotel, inn, hostelry, tourist home or house, motel, rooming house, or other lodging place within the city offering lodging, wherein the owner and operator thereof, for compensation, furnishes lodging to any transient1.

The City's TOT rate is 6% of the total rent charged to a guest1.To obtain a short-term rental permit in Roseville, hosts must pay a fee of $185 for a new permit and $85 for yearly renewal1. Hosts must also obtain a business license, which is renewed each calendar year by January 31st4.

In addition, hosts must register with the state and collect and remit transient occupancy taxes1.The taxable rent includes the room rate, cleaning fees, and any other fees charged to the guest3. Hosts must collect the tax and remit it to the City monthly1.It is important to note that short-term rentals are only allowed in single-family residences that are the primary dwelling of the owner or within an accessory dwelling unit located on the same parcel as the primary residence1.

Hosts may rent out all or part of their single-family primary residence or accessory dwelling, but not both, consistent with the provisions of the short-term rental permit1.

California wide Short Term Rental Rules

In California, short-term rental regulations vary by city, as local authorities are allowed to impose their own rules and requirements within their jurisdictions14. These regulations aim to ensure the safety and satisfaction of guests, hosts, and their larger communities1.

Some key aspects of California short-term rental rules include:

Primary Residence Requirement: In most cases, short-term rentals in California must be the owner's primary residence1.

Rental Period Length: To qualify as a short-term rental, the maximum length of stay is typically 30 consecutive days or less2. However, some cities and counties have exceptions for longer reservations up to 90 days, provided there are no back-to-back bookings2.

Federal Tax Implications: The United States government considers a property as a short-term rental business if it meets two criteria: rented out for a minimum of 14 calendar days each year and used personally for no more than 14 calendar days (or more than 10% of the time that the property is occupied in a calendar year)1. Meeting these requirements can help maximize potential federal tax benefits and deductions.

While the statewide California short-term rental laws are not very detailed, local authorities can impose regulations in their areas under jurisdiction4. For example, Los Angeles has some of the most stringent short-term rental regulations, limiting short-term rentals to 120 days per year4. In contrast, San Francisco has different rules that apply to short-term rentals2.

In summary, California short-term rental rules can vary significantly by city, and it is essential for property owners to understand the specific regulations in their area before listing their properties for short-term rent.

Does Roseville strictly enforce STR rules?

Roseville, California, has regulations in place to govern short-term rentals (STRs) within single-family homes. The city's ordinance allows property owners to rent their single-family homes on a short-term basis, typically 30 days or less, to the same person2.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, the city requires a short-term rental permit and a business license4. The permit is an annual requirement and must be renewed each year, while the business license is renewed annually by January 31st4. The city also enforces a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on lodging provided by short-term rentals4.The enforcement of these rules is a matter of concern for many. While the city has not imposed a total ban on short-term rentals, it has paused the issuance of new licenses as it evaluates the licensing process and considers measures to address unlicensed properties and other violations3. This pause was initiated in response to residents' concerns about disruptive activities in their neighborhoods, such as party houses3.

The city's approach reflects a balance between allowing short-term rentals and addressing the potential negative impacts on the community.To start a short-term rental business in Roseville, individuals must follow a set of steps, including obtaining a short-term rental permit, a business license, and registering with the state for transient occupancy tax collection1. Additionally, specific documents, such as a TOT certificate, liability insurance proof, and defensible space inspection, are required for the permit application6.

For further information on short-term rental regulations and zoning in Roseville, individuals can contact the Community Development Department at (916) 774-5276 or via email at planning@roseville.ca.us1.

The opinions of Airbnb hosts in Roseville, as shared on platforms like Reddit and Bigger Pockets, vary. Some hosts express frustration with the stringent regulations and the challenges of obtaining permits, while others acknowledge the necessity of these regulations to prevent disturbances in residential areas3.

In summary, Roseville, California, has established regulations and a permitting process for short-term rentals to balance the interests of property owners and the community. The city's approach reflects a commitment to addressing the concerns of residents while allowing for the operation of short-term rentals within defined parameters.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Roseville?

To launch a successful short-term rental business in Roseville, follow these steps:

Obtain a short-term rental permit: You must secure a permit from the City of Roseville to operate a short-term rental business legally1. The permit is an annual permit that must be renewed each year7.

Obtain a business license: In addition to the short-term rental permit, you will need a business license to operate your rental business legally7. Business licenses are renewed each calendar year by January 31st7.

Register with the state: Register with the state and collect and remit transient occupancy taxes1. This is a requirement for all short-term rental businesses in California.

Comply with local regulations: Ensure that your property complies with all local regulations, including zoning requirements and minimum stay requirements6. For example, in Roseville, short-term rentals are allowed only in single-family homes, and there are specific minimum stay requirements depending on the season6.

Collect necessary documents: Gather all required documents, such as proof of liability insurance, proof of primary homeowner exemption, and a defensible space inspection certificate6.

Advertise your property: Once you have obtained all the necessary permits and licenses, you can advertise your property on websites like Airbnb or VRBO.

Manage your property: As a short-term rental business owner, you will need to manage your property, handle bookings, and ensure that your property complies with all local regulations.

Remember that the City of Roseville is currently pausing the licensing of new short-term rentals while they re-evaluate the role of these properties in the city8. This means that you may face temporary restrictions on starting a new short-term rental business in Roseville.

However, if you already own a property with a valid short-term rental permit, you should be able to continue operating your business.

Who to contact in Roseville about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions on STR rules and zoning in Roseville, contact:City of Roseville Permit Center:
Phone: (916) 774-5332
Email: permitcenter@roseville.ca.us

What do Airbnb hosts in Roseville on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Roseville have mixed opinions on the local regulations. Some of the concerns and opinions found on Reddit and Bigger Pockets include:

Retaliatory reviews: Some hosts have experienced retaliatory reviews after reporting issues with guests, leading to a negative impact on their ratings1.

Strict regulations: Some hosts find the regulations too strict and difficult to comply with, especially when dealing with short-term rentals3.

Neighborhood disruptions: Residents have raised concerns about party houses disrupting their neighborhoods, leading the city to pause licensing new short-term rentals while re-evaluating the role of these properties7.

Licensing process: Some property owners are concerned that the licensing process is not straightforward and that it may be challenging to comply with all the requirements7.

Lodging tax: Short-term rentals are required to pay the city's three percent lodging tax, which was previously only required of hotels in Roseville9.

Despite these concerns, some hosts still operate in Roseville and find the benefits of short-term rentals outweigh the challenges. They appreciate the opportunity to share their properties with travelers and generate additional income.

However, it is essential for hosts to be aware of the local regulations and comply with them to avoid potential issues, such as fines or license suspension7.