Berkeley vs Oakland
How do host platform liability rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Berkeley and Oakland have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley holds platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo jointly responsible for verifying that every Berkeley listing displays a valid registration number, with daily fines for noncompliant bookings under the 2017 ordinance.
View full Berkeley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Oakland requires online booking platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to verify that hosts display a valid Oakland STR permit number and to remove unregistered or revoked listings, sharing accountability with the host operator.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Daily fine | Up to 1,000 dollars | - |
| Delist deadline | Five business days | - |
| Tax collection | Platform-remitted | - |
| Code | BMC 23.328 | OMC Title 5 Ch. 5.51 |
| Permit display | - | Required on every listing |
| TOT collection | - | Platform remits 14% |
| Revoked listings | - | Platform must remove |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
What number must appear on listings?
The City-issued STR permit number, displayed at the top of each listing along with the maximum guest count and host contact information.
Are platforms liable for guest behavior?
No. Platform liability covers registration verification and tax remittance, not noise or nuisance violations, which remain the host's responsibility.
Oakland FAQ
Can I list without showing my permit number?
No. Oakland requires the active STR permit number on every listing. Platforms are expected to enforce this and may remove listings that fail to display a valid registration.
Who collects Transient Occupancy Tax?
Major platforms typically collect and remit Oakland's 14% TOT directly. Hosts using non-collecting channels remain personally responsible for the tax under OMC 4.20.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Oakland compare on other ordinance categories.
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