San Francisco Registration Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Registration Authority
- SF Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR)
- Registration Number
- Must be displayed on every listing
- Platform Obligation
- Must verify registration before publishing listing
- Renewal
- Annual renewal with updated documentation
- Required Documents
- Primary residence proof, $500K liability insurance, business registration
- Public Registry
- Active certificates searchable by the public
The Short Version
San Francisco requires all STR hosts to register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals and display their registration number on every listing. Hosting platforms are prohibited from publishing listings that lack a valid OSTR registration number. The registration process requires proof of primary residency, proof of liability insurance, and a valid San Francisco Business Registration Certificate. Registrations must be renewed annually, and hosts must maintain compliance with all ongoing reporting and operational requirements to keep their certificate active.
Full Breakdown
The registration system administered by the Office of Short-Term Rentals is the central enforcement mechanism of San Francisco's STR framework. Under Administrative Code Chapter 41A, Sections 41A.4 and 41A.5, every host must complete a registration application that includes proof that the unit is their primary residence (such as a utility bill, voter registration, tax return, or driver's license showing the unit address), proof of liability insurance of at least $500,000, and a valid San Francisco Business Registration Certificate. The OSTR reviews applications and, upon approval, issues a Short-Term Residential Rental Certificate with a unique registration number.
This registration number must be prominently displayed on every listing on every platform where the unit is advertised. San Francisco law prohibits hosting platforms from publishing or facilitating bookings for listings that do not display a valid OSTR registration number. This platform-side enforcement obligation, strengthened by Proposition F, shifts compliance responsibility onto the platforms themselves and has been a model for STR regulation in other cities. Platforms that fail to verify registration numbers or that allow unregistered listings face fines of $1,000 per listing per day.
Registrations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The renewal process requires updated proof of primary residency, confirmation of continued insurance coverage, and submission of all required quarterly and annual activity reports. Hosts who fail to renew on time lose their certification and must cease all STR activity until a new certificate is issued. The OSTR maintains a publicly searchable registry of all active certificates, allowing neighbors, community groups, and the public to verify whether a listing is properly registered. The office also conducts proactive monitoring of booking platforms to identify and remove unregistered listings.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Operating without a valid OSTR registration is subject to fines of $1,000 per day. Listing without displaying a registration number subjects both the host and the platform to penalties. Platforms face $1,000 per listing per day for hosting unregistered properties. Failure to renew registration on time requires cessation of all STR activity. Providing false information on a registration application is grounds for permanent revocation and additional fines. The OSTR may refer egregious cases to the City Attorney for enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my property as a short-term rental in San Francisco?
Can I list my property on Airbnb without a registration number?
How often do I need to renew my STR registration in San Francisco?
Sources & Official References
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