West Sacramento, CA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Tax rate
- 12% of rent charged
- Covers stays
- 30 consecutive days or less
- Registration
- Required before renting, annually
- Administrator
- City Clerk (tax administrator)
Summary
Short-term rental hosts in the City of West Sacramento, Yolo County must collect and remit a 12% transient occupancy tax on stays of 30 consecutive days or less, under Chapter 3.28.
"Hotel" means any structure or any portion of any structure, which is occupied, or intended or designed for occupancy, lodging or sleeping purposes. This definition includes, but is not limited to, any hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, studio hotel, bachelor hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house, dormitory, public or private club, mobile home or house trailer at a fixed location, or other similar structure or portion thereof. ... each transient shall be subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of twelve percent of the rent charged by the operator.
Full Breakdown
West Sacramento's transient occupancy tax defines "hotel" broadly enough to cover any structure or portion of a structure rented for lodging, including a house, apartment, or mobile home, so a short-term rental such as an Airbnb or Vrbo listing qualifies. Any guest staying 30 consecutive days or less is a "transient" and owes the city 12% of the rent charged. The host ("operator") collects the tax at the time rent is paid and must register the property with the tax administrator (city clerk) annually before renting, obtaining a posted Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate.
Violations & Fines
Late remittance draws a 10% penalty, a further 10% if still unpaid after 30 more days, 25% for fraud, plus 1% monthly interest on unpaid tax, per §3.28.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Airbnb or Vrbo count as a "hotel" for this tax?
Do I need to register before renting my property short-term?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Sacramento
How West Sacramento compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·California rules heatmap·Compare West Sacramento to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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