Step 1
Obtain City Business License
All STR operators must apply for a general city business license. This includes determining your tax category based on gross receipts.
1-2 weeks$150
Documents needed
- Photo ID
- Business Information
Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Short-term rentals in Menlo Park require both a business license and a transient occupancy registration, with taxes increasing to 15.5% in 2026.
To rent your property for fewer than 30 days in Menlo Park, you must register for a business license and a tax certificate. You are required to collect and pay a monthly occupancy tax of 15.5% from guests, and rentals are generally prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and certain new high-density developments.
Step-by-step guide for Menlo Park
All STR operators must apply for a general city business license. This includes determining your tax category based on gross receipts.
If the business is located on a residential property, you must submit a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) along with your business license application.
Register for a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate through the city's third-party administrator, HdL.
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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