The City of San Luis Obispo requires all hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental (Homestay) Permit for their primary residence. Only property owners can host, and unhosted rentals are capped at 30 nights per year, while hosted stays are unlimited. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited, and a 14% tax applies to all stays under 31 nights.
To host an Airbnb in San Luis Obispo, you must get a Homestay Permit for your primary residence, and you must be the property owner. If you're not home during the stay (unhosted), you can only rent for a maximum of 30 nights per year. If you are home (hosted), there's no night limit. Be aware that you cannot rent out an ADU or guest house at all. You'll need to get a tax certificate, provide proof of insurance, and display your permit number on your listing. Fines for breaking the rules are very high, starting at $1,000.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
30/year
Primary Residence
Required
Total Tax Rate
14.0%
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
$545
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
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