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

**Yes**, a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit is required in Indio. You need this permit to legally operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $582, and you must renew it annually. Refer to Chapter 5.44 of the Municipal Code for more details.

What is the TOT tax rate in Indio?

**13%** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate for short-term rentals in Indio. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city monthly. Make sure you're compliant with Chapter 5.44 of the Indio Municipal Code to avoid penalties.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Indio?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Indio, but they are strictly regulated. You need to obtain a permit and comply with all city requirements. Be aware of occupancy limits and the need for a local contact. Review Chapter 5.44 of the Municipal Code for all the rules.

How much does an STR permit cost in Indio?

**$582** is the current fee for the Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit in Indio. You need to pay this fee annually to maintain your permit and operate legally. Make sure to factor this cost into your rental pricing and business plan. Check Chapter 5.44 for details.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Indio?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Indio. The property owner must be the one applying for and holding the required permit. Ensure you have the owner's consent and meet all requirements outlined in Chapter 5.44.

Indio

Moderate

CaliforniaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term vacation rentals are strictly regulated in the City of Indio under Chapter 5.44 of the Municipal Code. Hosts must obtain an annual permit, a business license, and collect a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax which must be reported monthly.

Restriction level

Severity 33

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

High permit fee: $582
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Indio, you must first get a city-issued STVR permit and a business license. You don't need to live in the home, but you must have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to issues within 30 minutes. Be aware that you'll need to pay a 13% tax to the city every month, and occupancy is strictly limited based on the number of bedrooms you have. The city is very active in enforcement, with fines for illegal rentals starting at $1,000.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$582

Processing time30 days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify you are within the City of Indio limits; some nearby 'Indio' addresses are in unincorporated Riverside County with different rules.
2The 13% TOT rate includes a 1% increase from Measure V passed by voters.
3Outdoor music or amplified sound is strictly prohibited at all STVRs at all times.
4A local contact person must be able to respond in person to the property within 30 minutes of a complaint.
5You must include your permit number in all online advertisements and listings.
6Monthly TOT reports are required even if you had zero bookings for that month.
7Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2, up to a maximum of 10 people total.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Indio prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), Mobile homes, Tents, RVs, Trailers.
Indio limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
Indio: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements18 rules

Indio STR warning: You MUST live in the property at least 183 days per year; investment-only properties are banned.
Indio: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Indio: A local contact person must be able to respond in-person within 30 minutes 24/7.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Indio: To host an Airbnb in Indio, the property must be your primary home where you live most of the year. You cannot rent out second homes, investment properties, or guest houses (ADUs). You must apply for a combined business license and STR permit, which costs over $1,600 per year, and you are required to report your rental income to the city every month, even if you had no bookings. Additionally, you must have a local contact person who can show up at the property within 30 minutes if there is a complaint.

Fees & costs2 rules

Indio: The annual permit fee is one of the highest in the region at $1,633.
Indio charges a registration fee of $1633 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 ($100 application fee often cited in summaries, but official finance page states $1,633 annual fee as of Feb 2022.).

Taxes2 rules

Indio charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 13%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 13% TOT, but hosts MUST still report monthly and remit the 1% TBID assessment separately.
Indio: Even if Airbnb collects the 13% TOT, you must still manually remit the 1% TBID assessment monthly.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Indio limits STRs to a maximum of 20 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional persons, not to exceed 20 total.
Indio: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Indio limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
Indio enforces quiet hours: 9:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Sun-Thu); 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Fri-Sat).

Safety requirements1 rule

Indio requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 24/7 local contact person must respond in person within 30 minutes, Pool safety requirements if applicable, Good Neighbor Brochure must be provided to guests.

Penalties3 rules

Indio enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,500. Second offense: $3,000. Third offense: $5,000 and permit revocation. Daily fine: Fines accrue daily for ongoing violations. Maximum fine: $5,000 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
Indio: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions2 rules

Indio exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, motels, and established Bed & Breakfasts.
Indio: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Indio

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning and HOA Check

Verify your property is within Indio city limits and that your HOA allows short-term rentals.

1 dayFree

Step 2

Obtain Business License

Apply for a City of Indio Business License specifically for an STVR use.

7-14 days

Documents needed

Application form

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STVR Permit Application

Apply through the Indio STVR portal, providing insurance, floor plans, and local contact info.

14-30 days$582

Documents needed

Floor plans
Insurance certificate
Local contact form

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Fire Inspection

Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

7 days

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Indio

Moderate

CaliforniaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 33

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

High permit fee: $582
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$582

Processing time30 days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify you are within the City of Indio limits; some nearby 'Indio' addresses are in unincorporated Riverside County with different rules.
2The 13% TOT rate includes a 1% increase from Measure V passed by voters.
3Outdoor music or amplified sound is strictly prohibited at all STVRs at all times.
4A local contact person must be able to respond in person to the property within 30 minutes of a complaint.
5You must include your permit number in all online advertisements and listings.
6Monthly TOT reports are required even if you had zero bookings for that month.
7Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2, up to a maximum of 10 people total.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Indio prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), Mobile homes, Tents, RVs, Trailers.
Indio limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
Indio: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements18 rules

Indio STR warning: You MUST live in the property at least 183 days per year; investment-only properties are banned.
Indio: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Indio: A local contact person must be able to respond in-person within 30 minutes 24/7.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Indio: To host an Airbnb in Indio, the property must be your primary home where you live most of the year. You cannot rent out second homes, investment properties, or guest houses (ADUs). You must apply for a combined business license and STR permit, which costs over $1,600 per year, and you are required to report your rental income to the city every month, even if you had no bookings. Additionally, you must have a local contact person who can show up at the property within 30 minutes if there is a complaint.

Fees & costs2 rules

Indio: The annual permit fee is one of the highest in the region at $1,633.
Indio charges a registration fee of $1633 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 ($100 application fee often cited in summaries, but official finance page states $1,633 annual fee as of Feb 2022.).

Taxes2 rules

Indio charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 13%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 13% TOT, but hosts MUST still report monthly and remit the 1% TBID assessment separately.
Indio: Even if Airbnb collects the 13% TOT, you must still manually remit the 1% TBID assessment monthly.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Indio limits STRs to a maximum of 20 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional persons, not to exceed 20 total.
Indio: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Indio limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
Indio enforces quiet hours: 9:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Sun-Thu); 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Fri-Sat).

Safety requirements1 rule

Indio requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 24/7 local contact person must respond in person within 30 minutes, Pool safety requirements if applicable, Good Neighbor Brochure must be provided to guests.

Penalties3 rules

Indio enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,500. Second offense: $3,000. Third offense: $5,000 and permit revocation. Daily fine: Fines accrue daily for ongoing violations. Maximum fine: $5,000 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
Indio: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions2 rules

Indio exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, motels, and established Bed & Breakfasts.
Indio: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Indio

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning and HOA Check

Verify your property is within Indio city limits and that your HOA allows short-term rentals.

1 dayFree

Step 2

Obtain Business License

Apply for a City of Indio Business License specifically for an STVR use.

7-14 days

Documents needed

Application form

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STVR Permit Application

Apply through the Indio STVR portal, providing insurance, floor plans, and local contact info.

14-30 days$582

Documents needed

Floor plans
Insurance certificate
Local contact form

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Fire Inspection

Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

7 days

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning and HOA Check

Obtain Business License

Submit STVR Permit Application

Pass Fire Inspection

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Indio?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Indio?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Indio?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Indio?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning and HOA Check

Obtain Business License

Submit STVR Permit Application

Pass Fire Inspection

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Indio?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Indio?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Indio?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Indio?

Disclaimer