Your Guide to Short-Term Rentals in San Francisco
If you’re considering hosting a short-term rental in San Francisco, it’s important to understand the city’s regulations to stay compliant and avoid fines. Here’s a summary of the rules, along with useful links to help you get started.
What Are Short-Term Rentals?
In San Francisco, a short-term rental refers to renting all or part of your home for less than 30 consecutive nights. However, to legally offer short-term rentals, you must meet specific requirements set by the city.
Key Rules for Short-Term Rentals
1. Eligibility Requirements
To host a short-term rental, you must:
Be a Permanent Resident: You must live in the unit for at least 275 nights per calendar year.
Register Your Business: Obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the San Francisco Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector.
Apply for a Short-Term Rental Certificate: This certificate is issued by the Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR) and is required to operate legally.
2. Application Process
Gather documents proving you are the permanent resident (e.g., driver’s license, utility bills).
Submit your application to OSTR with a $925 fee (valid for two years).
Once approved, display your certificate number on all listings.
3. Hosted vs. Un-Hosted Rentals
Hosted Rentals: The host is present during the guest’s stay, and there is no limit on the number of nights.
Un-Hosted Rentals: The host is not present, and these rentals are limited to 90 nights per calendar year.
4. Ineligible Properties
The following types of properties cannot be used for short-term rentals:
Below-Market-Rate (BMR) units
Public housing
Dormitories
Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) units
Properties with an Ellis Act eviction after November 2014
5. Tax Obligations
All hosts must collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays under 30 days. Ensure you register with the San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector.
6. Compliance Requirements
Submit quarterly reports to the Office of Short-Term Rentals.
Keep listings accurate, clearly stating whether the rental is hosted or un-hosted.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating short-term rental regulations can lead to fines of $484 per day per unit. If your application is denied or your certificate is revoked, you must stop renting immediately to avoid penalties.
Useful Links
Here are the resources you need to get started and stay compliant:
San Francisco Planning Department – Office of Short-Term Rentals
San Francisco Government – Guide to Opening a Short-Term Residential Rental
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the short-term rental process in San Francisco with confidence and ensure your hosting experience is both legal and successful.