Alameda County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Tax type
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
- Applies to stays
- 30 consecutive days or fewer
- Combined rate range
- ~10 to 14 percent countywide
- Filing
- County Treasurer-Tax Collector
- Platform collection
- Varies by booking platform
Summary
Unincorporated Alameda County imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term lodging of 30 days or fewer; combined TOT rates in Alameda County cities typically range from about 10 to 14 percent.
(a) The legislative body of any city, county, or city and county may levy a tax on the privilege of occupying a room or rooms, or other living space, in a hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, or other lodging unless the occupancy is for a period of more than 30 days. The tax, when levied by the legislative body of a county, applies only to the unincorporated areas of the county. ... (c) For purposes of this section, "other lodging" includes, but is not limited to, a camping site or a space at a campground or recreational vehicle park.
Full Breakdown
Alameda County levies a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on hotels, motels, inns, and other lodging in unincorporated areas rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer, as authorized under Revenue and Taxation Code 7280. Operators must register with the Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector, collect TOT from guests, and remit collected taxes on a regular schedule (monthly or quarterly) along with exemption documentation. Short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo are generally subject to the same TOT, although some platforms collect and remit on the host's behalf in certain jurisdictions. Combined TOT rates across Alameda County cities generally range from roughly 10 to 14 percent depending on the city and any additional tourism or business improvement district assessments. Failure to register, collect, or remit can result in back taxes, interest, and penalties, and STR operators may also be subject to state income tax, business license taxes, and federal reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Airbnb collect TOT for Alameda County hosts?
Is TOT owed on longer stays?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
How Alameda County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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