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

RMC Chapter 5.55 requires every short-term residential rental unit to have an assigned real property address registered with the City. Owners or authorized agents must obtain a Business Tax Certificate under RMC Chapter 5.04 before renting or advertising the unit; certificates are applied for and renewed through the HdL business-license portal (riverside.hdlgov.com) or by mail to the Business Tax Office. Separately, the operator must contact the City's Business Tax Office to register for Transient Occupancy Tax before any TOT can be submitted - the City uses HdL Lodging Tax to process all TOT collections. Returns and payments are due by the 15th of the month following the reporting period; filing is required even if no tax is due. Prior to occupancy, RMC Chapter 5.55 requires the owner or authorized agent to obtain the renter's name, address, and telephone number and provide a copy of the City's Good Neighbor Brochure to the renter. The unit must comply with RMC Chapter 19.150.020.A (Permitted Land Uses/Assemblies of People - Entertainment) and Chapter 5.80 (Entertainment Permit) where applicable.