Carlsbad requires an annual Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit for all properties rented for less than 30 days. The city does not require the property to be a primary residence but prohibits the rental of ADUs and guest houses. A 12% tax is levied on all stays, and the permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
To host an Airbnb in Carlsbad, you must get a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit from the city, which costs $500 initially and must be renewed annually. The good news is you don't have to live at the property, but you absolutely cannot rent out accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or guest houses. You'll need to provide a local contact who can respond to issues within 60 minutes. Make sure to display your permit number on your Airbnb listing and file a monthly tax return, even if Airbnb is collecting the taxes for you.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
12.0%
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local government authorities before operating a short-term rental.
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Permit Fee
$500
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
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