Taxes & Fees: Hesperia vs Rialto
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rialto, CA?
Hesperia and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all rentals of 30 consecutive days or less under Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 3.10. Operators must register with the City Finance Division (HMC § 3.10.040) and remit the tax. There is no STR-specific permit chapter — instead, any STR operator also needs a city business license under HMC Title 5, and any rental property (long- or short-term) must register under the Rental Housing Business License and Inspection Program (HMC Chapter 5.72, adopted January 2021). Airbnb collects and remits California state-administered taxes and certain local TOT where agreements exist; hosts should confirm whether the platform remits Hesperia's TOT or whether the host must file directly with the City Finance Division at (760) 947-1906.
View full Hesperia rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto imposes a 9% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays of 30 consecutive days or less under Rialto Municipal Code Chapter 3.08 (effective January 18, 1991, per the State Controller's annual TOT report). The TOT applies to hotels, motels, and short-term residential rentals alike. Rialto has no STR-specific permit chapter — short-term hosts must obtain a standard Rental Income Property business license under Title 5 from the Business Licensing Division (909-820-2517) and remit TOT directly to the city. Airbnb does NOT have a TOT collection agreement with Rialto, so hosts must self-report.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| City TOT rate | 10% of rent (HMC Ch. 3.10) | - |
| Transient threshold | Stays of 30 consecutive days or less | - |
| TOT registration | Required (HMC § 3.10.040) | - |
| Rental Housing License (Ch. 5.72) | Required annually for ALL rentals | - |
| Non-compliance fine | $500 + $500 under Ch. 5.72 | - |
| Finance contact | (760) 947-1906 | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 9% of rent |
| Code Section | - | Rialto MC Chapter 3.08 |
| Effective Date | - | January 18, 1991 |
| Transient Threshold | - | 30 consecutive days or less |
| Business License | - | Rental Income Property — Title 5 |
| Airbnb Auto-Collect | - | No — host self-remits |
| Business Licensing | - | 909-820-2517 / citybl@rialtoca.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
What is Hesperia's hotel/Airbnb tax rate?
10% of the rent charged, under Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 3.10. The rate has been in effect since July 1, 1998, per the California State Controller's annual TOT report.
Do I need a business license for an Airbnb in Hesperia?
Yes — two licenses. A general city business license under HMC Title 5, plus the Rental Housing Business License under HMC Chapter 5.72 (adopted January 2021), which requires an annual fee and a Code Enforcement inspection or self-certification.
Does Airbnb collect Hesperia's TOT for me?
Airbnb collects and remits some California local TOTs by agreement, but not all. Confirm Hesperia's status by contacting the City Finance Division at (760) 947-1906 before assuming the platform is handling the 10% remittance. If not, you must file directly.
Rialto FAQ
What is Rialto's TOT rate for short-term rentals?
9% of gross rent for any stay of 30 consecutive days or less, per Rialto MC Chapter 3.08 (effective 1991).
Does Airbnb collect Rialto TOT automatically?
No. Rialto is not on Airbnb's California voluntary collection list — hosts must register with Rialto Finance and self-remit the 9% TOT.
Do I need a Rialto business license to host on Airbnb?
Yes. Hosts fall under the Rental Income Property classification in Title 5 and must obtain a business license from the Business Licensing Division at 909-820-2517.
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