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

**Yes**, you need a Short-Term Rental Permit to operate legally in Sacramento. You need to apply for the permit, which costs $444 annually. Furthermore, Sacramento strictly requires that the short-term rental is your primary residence. Failure to obtain a permit can result in fines.

What is the TOT tax rate in Sacramento?

**12% TOT** is the total tax rate for short-term rentals in Sacramento. This includes a 2% Tourism Marketing District assessment. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city. Check with the city's finance department for specific payment schedules and methods.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Sacramento?

**Yes**, Sacramento requires that the short-term rental be the host's primary residence. You need to prove you live at the property for at least 270 days per year. This rule ensures short-term rentals are not displacing long-term housing options within the city.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Sacramento?

**Yes**, tenants are able to host on Airbnb in Sacramento. However, you need to secure permission from your landlord before operating a short-term rental. You also need to meet all other requirements, including obtaining a permit and adhering to occupancy limits. Failure to comply can result in eviction.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Sacramento?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Sacramento, but they are strictly regulated. You need to obtain a permit, collect and remit taxes, and adhere to occupancy limits. Additionally, Sacramento requires that the rental be your primary residence. Check with the city for current regulations and updates.

Sacramento, CA Short-Term Rental Laws & Permits

Baseline Verification

80%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals in the City of Sacramento require an annual permit and are strictly limited to the host's primary residence. Hosts must collect and remit a 12% total tax (including a 2% Tourism Marketing District assessment) and comply with a 6-guest maximum occupancy limit.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 66 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Moderate permit fee: $444
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Sacramento, you must live in the home you are renting for more than half the year. You cannot rent out a second home or an investment property on a short-term basis (less than 30 days). You must apply for an annual permit that costs $444 and ensure your listing displays your permit number. While platforms like Airbnb collect the main 10% tax, you are still responsible for registering with the city and ensuring all monthly tax forms are filed correctly.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$444

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.You cannot list an ADU (granny flat) as an STR if it was built after February 2021.
2.The primary residence requirement means you must reside at the property for 184+ days per year.
3.Maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 6 people, regardless of the home's size.
4.Non-primary residences (investment properties) are completely prohibited for stays under 30 days.
5.Tenants may host but must have a signed letter of permission from the property owner.
6.The $444 permit fee is non-refundable and must be renewed annually.
7.If you are near the city border, verify you are in the 'City of Sacramento' and not 'Unincorporated Sacramento County' as rules differ significantly.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(14)

•Sacramento allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written signed consent from the property owner.
•Sacramento allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Condominium, Multi-family unit (if primary residence).

Requirements(21)

•Sacramento, CA: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
•Sacramento, CA: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Sacramento, CA has different permit classes: Standard STR Permit. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application Process(11)

•Sacramento STR permit - Step 3: Submit Application. Complete the online STR permit application via the City of Sacramento Citizen Portal. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 444.
•Sacramento: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of primary residency, Driver's License or Voter Registration, Site plan or floor plan, Local contact person info.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Sacramento: The $444 permit fee is non-refundable and must be renewed annually.
•Sacramento charges a registration fee of $444 (annual).

Taxes(1)

•Sacramento charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the base 10% TOT, but hosts may be responsible for the additional 2% TPA assessment depending on specific platform agreement updates.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Sacramento limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Sacramento, CA: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Sacramento, CA occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 6 total for the unit.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Sacramento requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exit map must be posted, Working landline or emergency contact accessible.

Penalties(3)

•Sacramento enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250. Second offense: $500. Third offense: $1,000. Daily fine: Up to $1,000 per day. Maximum fine: Uncapped. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Sacramento: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Sacramento exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Sacramento, CA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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

Sacramento

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(14)

Requirements(21)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Sacramento

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Sacramento?

3Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Sacramento?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Sacramento?

5Are short-term rentals allowed in Sacramento?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake