Permit Requirements: Berkeley vs Hayward
How do permit requirements rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Hayward, CA?
Hayward has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) permit for rentals under 14 consecutive days. STRs are limited to owner-occupied primary residences with a strict 90-day annual cap for un-hosted stays.
View full Berkeley rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Hayward requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning rules, with hosted stays being more widely permitted than unhosted whole-home rentals.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Primary residence only, 275+ days occupancy | - |
| Un-hosted Cap | 90 nights per calendar year | - |
| Hosted | No day limit when host is on-site | - |
| Permit | STR Permit plus Business License required | - |
| Contact | Planning (510) 981-7410 | Hayward 510-583-4000 |
| Business license | - | Required |
| TOT collection | - | Required from guests |
| Primary residence rule | - | Often required |
| Stay length | - | Under 30 days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I rent out a second home in Berkeley on Airbnb?
No. Berkeley restricts STRs to the host primary residence only. Second homes cannot be used as short-term rentals.
What happens if I exceed 90 un-hosted nights?
Violations can result in fines up to 1,000 dollars per day and permit revocation. Platforms are also required to de-list non-compliant units.
Hayward FAQ
Can I rent out an investment property in Hayward?
Unhosted rentals of non-primary residences face stricter limits. Check current zoning rules before listing.
Do I need to collect TOT in Hayward?
Yes, all short-term rental operators must collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax to the city.
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