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

Adopted by Ordinance No. 2019-005 on May 20, 2019, Chapter 4-41 was enacted specifically 'to prohibit the non-hosted rental of all or part of a residential dwelling unit for fewer than 30 days,' finding it necessary for public health, safety, and welfare (§ 4-41-100). Section 4-41-110 makes 'the renting, letting, or operating of non-hosted short term rentals in all dwelling units, bedrooms, buildings, structures or properties within the City of San Leandro' unlawful outright, with no permit path available the way Chapter 4-40 provides for hosted stays.

Penalties escalate with each notice of violation: a first notice is a misdemeanor carrying a $1,000 fine or up to six months in jail; a second violation carries the same fine or jail term plus a declaration that the property is a public nuisance and a City lawsuit to enjoin the illegal use, with the property owner or host on the hook for the City's attorneys' fees and costs; a third violation within two years adds triple damages on top of the fine, jail exposure, and fee award, and the City Attorney can pursue punitive damages for a willful violation without needing City Council approval first.