Short-term rental permit rules in Riverside, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
The City of Riverside requires short-term rental operators to register and obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate. All STR operators must comply with applicable zoning, building, and fire codes. The city collects 13% TOT on all lodging stays under 30 days.
Short-term rental operators in the City of Riverside must register with the Finance Department and obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate before operating. Properties must comply with all applicable zoning regulations under Title 19, building codes, and fire safety requirements. Operators must collect and remit the 13% TOT on all stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Tax returns must be filed monthly by the 15th of the following month. Platforms like Airbnb may auto-collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts through voluntary collection agreements.
Operating without TOT registration: back taxes plus penalties and interest. Failure to remit collected TOT: misdemeanor. Zoning violations: code enforcement action and potential cease-and-desist orders.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle permit requirements.
See how Riverside's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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