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

The host-presence requirement is the core of Inyo County's short-term rental program. Section 18.73.030(C) requires that all short-term rentals be hosted rentals, and Section 18.73.010 defines a hosted rental as one where the owner or a designated representative of the owner resides on the parcel where the rental occurs, during the duration of the transient renter's stay. The County interprets this strictly: the host must be on site for the entire duration of any stay by any renter, without exception. Section 18.73.030(D) further requires that each short-term rental have an owner or designated representative readily available to handle any questions or complaints during all short-term rental activities, and that any change to the owner's or designated representative's contact information be provided immediately in writing to the Planning Department, to neighboring properties within 300 feet, and on any required postings. The County monitors compliance with rental-compliance software and field inspections. In its 2025 revocation case, code-compliance staff visited a property and asked guests whether a host was present at any time during their stay; the guests answered 'no,' which the County found to be a violation of Section 18.73.030(C). The permittee was warned that continued operation could result in revocation and monetary penalties up to $5,000.