Night Caps: Castro Valley vs Oakland
How do night caps rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than Oakland.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Unincorporated Alameda County does not currently impose a countywide annual night cap on short-term rentals, but individual cities and future county programs may limit un-hosted rentals to a set number of nights.
View full Castro Valley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Oakland limits non-hosted (un-hosted) short-term rentals to 90 nights per calendar year, while hosted rentals where the operator is on-site have no night cap. Operators must obtain a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit, collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and register the unit with the City. The 90-day rule targets absentee operators converting housing to de facto hotels and protects long-term rental supply in a high-demand Bay Area market.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Countywide cap | None currently in unincorporated area | - |
| City-level caps | Some cities (e.g., Oakland, Berkeley) apply | - |
| Typical un-hosted cap | 60 to 180 nights per year | - |
| Hosted rentals | Often uncapped where regulated | - |
| Watch for | Future county STR ordinance | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
Is there a limit right now in unincorporated Alameda County?
No countywide numeric cap exists; regulations may change, so check with the Community Development Agency before heavy hosting.
How is hosted versus un-hosted defined?
Hosted typically means the primary resident remains on-site during guest stays; un-hosted means the whole home is rented without the resident present.
Oakland FAQ
Can I rent out a second home in Oakland as a short-term rental?
No. Oakland requires short-term rentals to be the operator's primary residence. Investor-owned or second homes used exclusively as STRs are not permitted under the ordinance.
Does the 90-night cap apply if I live there while guests are staying?
No. Hosted rentals, where you remain on the premises during the guest's stay, are not subject to the 90-night cap. Only non-hosted (un-hosted) stays count toward the annual limit.
What happens if I go over 90 un-hosted nights?
You face administrative citations, fines, and potential revocation of your Short-Term Residential Rental Permit. Platforms may also be required to de-list non-compliant properties.
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