Insurance Requirements: Brentwood vs Richmond
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Richmond, CA?
Richmond has fewer restrictions than Brentwood.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Brentwood does not impose STR liability insurance minimums because the city prohibits short-term rentals entirely under BMC Chapter 17.796 (Ord. 1079, Dec 10, 2024). There is no permit or registration that an insurance certificate could attach to.
View full Brentwood rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Richmond's STR program (RMC Chapter 7.88) does not specify a numeric liability insurance minimum; operators must obtain a city business license, pay 10% Transient Occupancy Tax, and pass a property safety inspection before issuance.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| City Insurance Minimum | None (STRs banned) | Not specified in code |
| Code Section | BMC Ch. 17.796 | - |
| Ordinance | No. 1079 (Dec 10, 2024) | - |
| Permit Pathway | Does not exist | - |
| Long-Term Rentals | Use standard landlord policy | - |
| Rental Inspection | City program separate | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 10% (RMC 7.88) |
| Business License | - | Class E Hotel/Motel |
| Safety Inspection | - | Required pre-license |
| Home Occupation | - | RMC 15.04.810 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
How much liability insurance does Brentwood require for short-term rentals?
None, because Brentwood prohibits short-term rentals under Chapter 17.796. There is no STR permit to which an insurance requirement could attach.
Does Airbnb's AirCover let me legally host in Brentwood?
No. Platform host-protection programs do not override the citywide STR ban in BMC 17.796.
What insurance applies to a 31-day or longer rental?
A standard landlord/dwelling policy is typical. Long-term rentals are not STRs, so the Chapter 17.796 prohibition does not apply, but Brentwood's Rental Inspection Program may.
Richmond FAQ
Does Richmond, CA require a specific liability insurance amount for STRs?
No dollar minimum is specified in the published STR program. Operators must still hold a business license, pay 10% TOT, and pass a safety inspection.
Will my homeowners policy cover short-term rentals in Richmond?
Usually no. Standard homeowners policies exclude commercial rental activity; most carriers require a short-term rental endorsement or a dedicated STR policy.
What licensing does Richmond require before I can list?
A Class E business license per property, a Transient Occupancy Tax registration certificate, Home Occupation Authorization, and a passing property safety inspection.
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