Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bakersfield?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Bakersfield, though state and county regulations may still apply. However, you must obtain a general Business Tax Certificate from the City Finance Department before operating a short-term rental. Always verify with your HOA for additional rules. *(54 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Bakersfield?

**12%** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate for short-term rentals in Bakersfield. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests for stays under 30 days and remitting it to the city. While Airbnb may collect this tax on your behalf, you remain responsible for ensuring payment. *(54 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Bakersfield?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Bakersfield as the city currently lacks specific STR regulations regarding night caps or density. However, hosts must still comply with all standard business and tax requirements, including obtaining a Business Tax Certificate. Always check with your HOA for potential restrictions on short-term rentals. *(55 words)*

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Bakersfield?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Bakersfield depend on the nature of the violation. Since there is not a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, you would likely face fines for failure to obtain a Business Tax Certificate or failure to remit Transient Occupancy Tax. Contact the City Finance Department for clarification. *(53 words)*

Bakersfield, CA Short-Term Rental Laws

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Bakersfield does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, meaning STRs are largely unregulated regarding night caps or density. However, hosts are legally required to obtain a general Business Tax Certificate and collect/remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays under 30 days.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Bakersfield, you don't need a special 'STR permit' because the city hasn't passed specific laws for them yet. However, you are still running a business, so you must get a standard Business Tax Certificate from the City Finance Department. You are also responsible for the 12% tourist tax; while Airbnb often collects this for you, you are ultimately responsible for making sure the city gets paid. Always check with your HOA, as they can still ban STRs even if the city doesn't.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your address is within the City Limits; areas just outside in 'Unincorporated Kern County' have different rules.
2.Bakersfield uses 'Permissive Zoning'—because STRs aren't explicitly listed as allowed in residential zones, the city could technically declare them prohibited at any time.
3.The 12% TOT rate applies to the total rent charged, including cleaning fees.
4.You must file quarterly TOT returns even if you had zero bookings or the platform collected all taxes.
5.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built recently may have state or local deed restrictions preventing them from being used as short-term rentals.
6.The city is actively discussing STR regulations; what is unregulated today may change by 2025.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

•Bakersfield: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(11)

•Bakersfield STR warning: Verify you are within City Limits; Unincorporated Kern County has a different tax rate (6%) and registration portal.
•Bakersfield does not require STR registration.
•Bakersfield STR warning: No room may be rented more than once in any 24-hour period per Section 5.26.040(E).

Application Process(6)

•How to set up an STR in Bakersfield: To host an Airbnb in the City of Bakersfield, you don't need a specialized 'STR permit,' but you must treat your rental like a business. This means getting a city business license and registering with the city's tax partner, HdL, to pay the 12% hotel tax. You are required to file these tax reports every month, even if you didn't have any guests. You also need to keep a guest log with the names and addresses of everyone who stays at your property.

Taxes(3)

•Bakersfield: TOT returns are due MONTHLY by the last day of the following month.
•Bakersfield: Airbnb/Vrbo may not automatically collect and pay your city taxes; you are ultimately responsible for ensuring the 12% is paid.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Bakersfield: Verify you are within City Limits; Unincorporated Kern County has a different tax rate (6%) and registration portal.
•Bakersfield limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bakersfield requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, Must maintain a guest register (Name, Address, Date) per 5.26.040.

Penalties(4)

•Bakersfield enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: 10% tax penalty. Second offense: Additional 10% penalty after 30 days. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Bakersfield: A 10% penalty applies immediately if the tax payment is even one day late.
•Bakersfield: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(3)

•Bakersfield exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Government employees on official business, Hospital/medical lodging.
•Bakersfield: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Bakersfield

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(6)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other California Markets

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Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Bakersfield

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bakersfield?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bakersfield?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Bakersfield?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Bakersfield?

Related Content

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Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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