Murrieta, CA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Riverside County Ordinance No. 927 does not require on-site host presence during a short-term rental, but it mandates a reachable, responsive contact at all times. Section 4 defines a Local Contact Person as someone designated by the owner or operator who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can respond to complaints within 60 minutes, and has access and authority to assume management of the unit and take remedial action. Section 8(o) and 8(u) require that a Responsible Operator be readily available 24/7 to handle questions or complaints during all rental activity. Under Section 8(w) and Section 13, the operator must respond within 60 minutes of being notified of unreasonable noise, disorderly conduct, or other violations-including, if necessary, visiting the site to correct the problem-and must report complaints and resolutions to the Planning Department within two business days. The ordinance separately recognizes a 'Hosted Stay,' defined in Section 4 as a rental occupied by the owner for the duration of the stay; for hosted stays, the operator may enter into multiple booking transactions provided no more than five rooms are rented and total occupancy stays within the certificate limits (Section 8(f)). The required interior posting and exterior sign must list a Responsible Operator name and a 24-hour phone number, and a Local Contact Person name and number (Sections 8(s) and 8(t)).