San Francisco, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Measurement
- Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2, capped at 1 per 200 sq
- Measurement
- Typical 2BR unit maxes at 6 overnight guests
- Permit/License
- Occupancy must be listed on OSTR registration and platform
- Fees
- Exceeding is $1,000/day violation under Chapter 41A
- Authority
- Events/parties prohibited without separate permit
Summary
San Francisco STR occupancy is governed by Housing Code maximum-occupancy rules plus Admin Code Chapter 41A. Generally 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, capped by square footage, and STRs cannot exceed the dwelling unit's legal occupancy.
17920.3. Any building or portion thereof, regardless of zoning designation or approved uses of the building, including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the occupants of the building, nearby residents, or the public shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building: (a) Inadequate sanitation shall include... (9) Room and space dimensions less than required by this code... (n) All buildings or portions thereof occupied for living, sleeping, cooking, or dining purposes that were not designed or intended to be used for those occupancies.
Full Breakdown
SF does not set an STR-specific headcount in Chapter 41A, but occupancy is constrained by the underlying Housing Code and uniform fire and building codes. The standard formula is 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional persons in common areas, not to exceed 1 occupant per 200 sq ft of total floor area. A typical 2-bedroom apartment maxes at 6 overnight guests; a studio at 2-3. Hosts are required to list the maximum occupancy in their OSTR registration and in platform listings. Exceeding occupancy is a dual violation: of Chapter 41A operating conditions and of the Housing Code, with fines up to $1,000 per day. Events (parties, weddings) at STRs are generally prohibited unless the host has an Entertainment Commission permit. Air mattresses and couches count toward occupancy; infants under 2 typically do not. Neighbors frequently file complaints when STR occupancy exceeds posted limits, and OSTR uses platform listing data to cross-check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids count toward the occupancy limit?
Can I host a wedding or large party at my STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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