Downey Registration Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Many California cities with active STR markets have adopted registration frameworks requiring hosts to obtain a license number displayed on all listings, remit occupancy taxes, and comply with safety inspections. Downey has not adopted any such framework. Because short-term rental activity is treated as an unauthorized commercial use of residential property under Section 9312.08, the city has not created a pathway for hosts to register or obtain a permit.

Downey does not have a formal agreement with Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rental platforms for tax collection or listing accountability. The city's Transient Occupancy Tax (13% under Measure D, approved November 2022) technically applies to any short-term stay, and hosts would be legally obligated to collect and remit this tax on a quarterly basis to the Downey Finance Department. However, remitting the TOT does not grant legal authorization to operate a short-term rental and does not create a registration or permit status.

Long-term rental property owners (leases of 30+ days) who conduct rental activity as a business may obtain a standard City of Downey business license. This business license does not authorize short-term rental activity. Any resident considering short-term rentals should contact the Downey Planning Division and consult a land use attorney, as regulations may change if the City Council adopts a formal STR ordinance in the future.