Daly City, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Residence
- Required - host lives there 265+ days/year
- Vacation Rentals
- Prohibited citywide
- Eligible Housing
- Single-family, condo, duplex, townhome, multi-unit (host's unit only)
- Income-Restricted Units
- STRs not permitted
- Properties with ADU/JADU
- STRs not permitted
- Proof
- Notarized affidavit + 2 residency documents
Summary
Daly City allows short-term rentals only in the host's primary residence, where the host lives at least 265 days per year. Non-owner-occupied vacation rentals are prohibited citywide, and STRs are banned in income-restricted units and on any property with an ADU or junior ADU.
A. Short-term rentals shall be permitted in single-family residences, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, and properties with multiple rental units. For owner-occupied properties with multiple rental units, the owner of such property may only host a short-term rental in the dwelling unit that is their primary residence. B. Short-term rentals shall not be permitted in inclusionary housing or other income-restricted housing units or on properties with accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units. C. Vacation rentals, as defined in this Chapter, are prohibited and shall not be operated in the City. [Definition, 5.92.030:] 'Primary residence' means a host's permanent residence or usual place of return for housing as documented by evidence of occupancy as determined by the Finance Department and Planning Department. A person may only have one primary residence and must reside there a minimum of 265 days per year.
Full Breakdown
040 (Eligibility, added by Ordinance No. 1440) permits short-term rentals in single-family residences, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, and properties with multiple rental units - but for owner-occupied multi-unit properties, the owner may only host in the dwelling unit that is their primary residence. Short-term rentals are not permitted in inclusionary housing or other income-restricted housing units, or on properties containing an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit. 030 as dwelling units that are not a primary residence but are offered for temporary lodging for compensation - are prohibited and may not be operated anywhere in the City.
The ordinance defines a primary residence as the host's permanent residence or usual place of return for housing, documented by evidence of occupancy as determined by the Finance and Planning Departments; a person may only have one primary residence and must reside there a minimum of 265 days per year. Applicants must submit a notarized affidavit of primary residency plus two corroborating documents (state-issued ID and a utility bill, property tax bill, credit card bill, voter registration, or bank statement).
Violations & Fines
Operating a vacation rental (a non-primary-residence STR), hosting in an income-restricted unit, or hosting on a property with an ADU/JADU violates Section 5.92.040 and exposes the operator to administrative fines under Chapter 8.16, permit denial or revocation, and disgorgement of illegal rental revenue under Section 5.92.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an Airbnb in a Daly City house I do not live in?
Can I do short-term rentals if my property has an ADU?
How does Daly City verify primary residency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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Primary-Residence-Only Rule in Nearby Cities
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