Apple Valley, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Registration of a short-term rental in the Town of Apple Valley runs through two Municipal Code chapters. First, Chapter 8.34 (Regulation of Rental Housing Units) requires a Property Maintenance Certificate: Section 8.34.040(a) bars allowing occupancy of any rental housing unit 'without possessing an unexpired, unrevoked, property maintenance certificate for each facility and paying the inspection fee.' Section 8.34.080(a) expressly applies that certificate requirement to short-term rental operators. Per Section 8.34.040(b), each certificate expires one year after issuance and must be renewed with fees paid on or before the expiration date; additional fees apply on a change of occupancy classification, change in number of units, change of ownership, or follow-up inspections (Section 8.34.040(c)). Second, for tax collection, Chapter 3.24 (Transient Occupancy Tax) requires every operator renting to transients to file an application for a Transient Occupancy Registration Permit with the Tax Administrator (Section 3.24.050); the permit must remain in effect at all times the business operates. The TOT registration fee is $5.00 per permit (Section 3.24.050). These are Town registrations specific to incorporated Apple Valley; San Bernardino County's rental and TOT programs cover only unincorporated areas.