San Mateo Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

The city of San Mateo, California, has established regulations for short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) to manage their impact on the local community. These regulations, implemented on February 1, 2021, aim to ensure that short-term rentals operate in a manner that is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. To legally operate a short-term rental in San Mateo, hosts are required to pay an annual registration fee of $250, due on July 1st each year1.

The properties must adhere to specific operating standards, such as limiting the rental period to 120 days a year when hosts are not present on-site and providing a local contact person to address neighborhood issues within 60 minutes1. Additionally, the properties must comply with parking requirements and occupancy limits, with a maximum of 2 people per bedroom or 10 people per property, whichever is less4.

It's important to note that short-term rentals are only allowed within legal residences on parcels that are zoned for single-family (R-1) or multi-family (R-3) residential use within the city2.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in San Mateo

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in San Mateo, you must adhere to the city's regulations and requirements. The city of San Mateo has implemented a Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance to regulate and mitigate the impacts of such rentals on the community. The ordinance stipulates that short-term rentals are only permitted within legal residences on parcels zoned for single-family (R-1) or multi-family (R-3) residential use within the city1.

To initiate your venture, you need to obtain a short-term rental registration, which costs $250 per year and is due on July 1st annually1. Additionally, you must ensure compliance with the operating standards, such as providing a local contact person for neighborhood issues and limiting the rental period to 120 days a year when hosts are not present on-site1.

Furthermore, it is essential to acquire a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and pay a 12% TOT on the total rent charged for the occupancy of any STR property in San Mateo2. The city strictly enforces these regulations to mitigate the impacts of such rentals on the community1.

In order to operate a short-term rental in the City of San Mateo, the following items are required5:

• Short-term rental registration
• Business license
• Compliance with parking requirements
• Adherence to occupancy limits
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in San Mateo

In San Mateo, individuals interested in operating a short-term rental are required to adhere to specific licensing and registration regulations. The city's short-term rental program, established on February 1, 2021, aims to regulate and mitigate the impacts of such rentals on the surrounding neighborhoods. To commence a short-term rental business in San Mateo, the following requirements must be met:

Annual Registration Fee: A yearly Short-Term Rental Registration Fee of $250 is mandated, with the payment due on July 1st each year1.

Licensing and Business License: Prospective short-term rental operators must obtain a business license in addition to the registration4. This is a fundamental requirement to ensure compliance with the city's regulations.

Operating Standards: All short-term rentals within the City of San Mateo are expected to adhere to the specified regulations. Failure to comply with these standards may lead to the revocation of the short-term rental registration. Some of the operating standards include:

• Short-term rentals are only permitted in legal dwelling units, such as single-family houses, parts of single-family homes, multi-family units, and condos1.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are not eligible for short-term rentals and cannot apply for a short-term rental permit1.
• Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space, while those with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces2.
• Occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom or ten people per property, whichever is less2.
• There is an annual limit of 120 days per calendar year for unhosted rentals, i.e., when hosts are not present. Hosted properties have no annual limit on the number of days they can be rented2.

Application Process: To obtain and maintain a Short-Term Rental Registration, the following steps are required:

• Apply for a Business License.
• Submit a Short-Term Rental application using the online portal.
• Ensure compliance with all operating standards3.

By adhering to these requirements, individuals can ensure that their short-term rental business in San Mateo is established in accordance with the city's regulations, thereby contributing to a responsible and legally compliant operation.

Required Documents for San Mateo Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in San Mateo, California, you must adhere to specific requirements and provide the necessary documentation. The following documents and information are essential for STR registration in San Mateo:

Short-Term Rental Registration Application: Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration Online Application, which can be found on the City of San Mateo's website1. This application requires a current Business License with the City of San Mateo1.

Business License: Ensure that you have a current Business License with the City of San Mateo before applying for the Short-Term Rental Registration1.

Required Forms: Download and complete the two required documents, including the "STR Registration Rules and Regulations" and the "Parking Form," which must be attached with your registration application1.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate: Property owners are required to obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate2.

Annual Registration Fee: The annual Short-Term Rental Registration Fee is $250, due on July 1st each year2.

Parking Requirements: Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space, while properties with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces2.

Occupancy Limit: The occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom or 10 people per property, whichever is less4.

It's important to ensure that all the necessary documents and requirements are met to operate a compliant and legal short-term rental in San Mateo.

San Mateo Short Term Rental Taxes

When operating a short-term rental (STR) in San Mateo, it is essential to understand the tax obligations. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on the total amount of rent charged for the occupancy of any STR. As of January 1, 2021, the TOT rate is 14%1. This tax is collected by the operator of the facility and must be remitted to the city on or before the last day of each month1. Additionally, property owners are required to obtain a Business Tax Certificate, as operating an hotel or short-term rental is considered doing business in the City of San Mateo1.

The annual Short-Term Rental Registration Fee is $250 per year and is due on July 1st each year2. Furthermore, property owners must obtain a TOT certificate and pay a $300 application fee when applying for a short-term rental permit2. It's important to comply with these tax requirements to ensure legal operation within the city.

San Mateo wide Short Term Rental Rules

In San Mateo, California, short-term rental regulations were adopted on February 1, 2021, to manage the impact of such rentals on the community. These regulations, outlined in Chapter 5.66, specify that short-term rentals are only permitted in legal dwelling units, such as single-family houses, parts of single-family homes, multi-family units, and condos1. Some key rules and standards include:

• Properties cannot be rented for more than 120 days a year when hosts are not present on-site1.
• Occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom13.
• A local contact person must be provided to address neighborhood issues within 60 minutes2.
• Parties or special events on the property are prohibited2.
• Off-street parking spaces are required, with a minimum of one space for properties with three or fewer bedrooms, and two spaces for properties with four or more bedrooms3.

It is important to note that these rules are in place to ensure the well-being of the community and must be adhered to by those operating short-term rentals in San Mateo.

Does San Mateo strictly enforce STR rules?” Is San Mateo Airbnb friendly?

San Mateo, California has regulations in place to regulate short-term rentals and mitigate their impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. The city strictly enforces these rules, and it is important to comply with them to avoid potential penalties. Short-term rentals are only allowed within legal residences on parcels that are zoned for single-family or multi-family residential use within the city15. The annual short-term rental registration fee is $250, and the properties must follow operating standards, such as providing a local contact person for neighborhood issues and limiting the rental period to 120 days a year when hosts are not present on-site14.

The city of San Mateo requires a short-term rental registration, which costs $250 per year and is due on July 1st each year4. To apply for a short-term rental permit in San Mateo, you need to provide proof of obtaining a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and pay a $300 application fee2. Property owners in San Mateo are required to obtain a TOT certificate, and the city imposes a 12% TOT on the total amount of rent charged for the occupancy of any STR2.In addition to the regulations mentioned above, San Mateo has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements2.

Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to short-term rentals as well. It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations2.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in San Mateo

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in San Mateo, you must adhere to the city's regulations and requirements. The city of San Mateo has developed a comprehensive Business Resource Guide to assist entrepreneurs in navigating the process of starting, growing, or relocating a business within the city1.

The guide provides essential information on various aspects of doing business in San Mateo, including the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance1.To initiate your short-term rental business, you need to follow these key steps:

Understand the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance and other relevant regulations outlined in the San Mateo Business Resource Guide1.

Licensing and Registration: Ensure that you have a current Business License with the City of San Mateo4. Additionally, you are required to obtain a Short-Term Rental Registration, which allows you to rent a single-family dwelling, part of a single-family dwelling, multi-family unit, or condo on a short-term basis5.

Parking and Occupancy Requirements: Be aware of the parking requirements for your property. Properties with three or fewer bedrooms must provide at least one off-street parking space, while properties with four or more bedrooms must provide at least two off-street parking spaces. Moreover, the occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom or 10 people per property, whichever is less5.

Annual Limit and Hosted Properties: There is an annual limit of 120 days per calendar year for unhosted properties, i.e., when hosts are not present. Hosted properties have no annual limit on the number of days they can be rented5.

Contact Information: For any assistance or inquiries regarding the Short-Term Rental Registration process, you can reach out to the City of San Mateo's TOT Processing Center at (650) 443-9056 or via email at SanMateoTOT@hdlgov.com5.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the city's regulations, you can establish and operate a short-term rental business in San Mateo successfully.It's important to note that the information provided is based on the available sources and may be subject to change. For the most current and detailed information, it is recommended to directly consult the official city authorities and relevant legal resources.

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

To ensure compliance with short-term rental (STR) regulations and zoning in San Mateo, it is essential to contact the appropriate authorities. The City of San Mateo's Finance Department oversees the Short-Term Rental Registration program and can provide guidance on the necessary steps and requirements. For any inquiries or assistance regarding the application process, you can reach out to the Finance Department via email at sanmateotot@hdlgov.com or by phone at (650) 443-9056. The phone support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST).

Additionally, for general questions about starting a business in San Mateo, including information on short-term rentals, you can contact the Economic Development Division in the City Manager’s Office at (650) 522-7009. These contacts will ensure that you receive accurate and up-to-date information to facilitate the establishment and operation of your short-term rental business in San Mateo.

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

Airbnb hosts in San Mateo have varying opinions about local regulations. While some hosts may find the regulations to be strict, others understand the importance of complying with the rules to ensure a positive and legal operation within the city. According to a post on Reddit2, some hosts have expressed frustration with the platform's cancellation policies and fees, leading them to switch to hotels instead. However, others have reported success with their short-term rental businesses, with one host stating that stays in their area went up 150% 2.

To get started with a short-term rental business in San Mateo, it is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations and requirements set by the city. The city of San Mateo requires a short-term rental registration, which costs $250 per year and is due on July 1st each year1.

To apply for a short-term rental permit in San Mateo, you need to provide proof of obtaining a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and pay a $300 application fee2.