Are short-term rentals allowed in Berkeley, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Berkeley, subject to licensing and regulatory requirements.

Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental in Berkeley, CA?

Yes, Berkeley requires an STR license or permit to operate a short-term rental. The license fee is 451.25.

Does Berkeley require primary residence for short-term rentals?

Yes, Berkeley requires that the property be your primary residence to operate as a short-term rental.

How many guests can stay at a short-term rental in Berkeley?

The maximum occupancy for a short-term rental in Berkeley is 2 guests.

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Berkeley, CA STR Regulations 2026 | HostReady

Berkeley, CA

Short-Term Rental Regulations

High Risk Market

Risk Score

Berkeley requires an STR license to operate a short-term rental. Berkeley sets its own short-term-rental rules. What applies: no state-level registration is required. CA has no state-level STR law. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) set by each city. Cities have broad authority to regulate or restrict STRs.

We watch Berkeley's short-term rental rules and alert you the moment they change. Check your address free, then $8.25/month, billed annually to keep it monitored.

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At a Glance

Monitored for changesVerified from 4 sources

STR License

Yes

Primary Residence

Yes

License Fee

$451.25

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We recorded 125 short-term rental rule changes across 50 US markets in the last 30 days.

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7 verified answers for Berkeley, each backed by a citation

Are short-term rentals allowed
License required
License fee
Annual night cap
Occupancy limit
Signage required
Primary residence rule

Full Requirements

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Berkeley, CA Regulations Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know about operating a short-term rental in Berkeley, CA.

Licensing and Permits

Berkeley requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

Get the full Berkeley compliance guide

Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.

Compiled from 4 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

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Curious how Berkeley compares nationally? See the strictest and most welcoming US cities for short-term rentals.

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Citation receipts

16 cited facts for Berkeley

Every fact below is taken from the issuing authority's own text. Open a quote to read it verbatim, or follow the source to read it on their page.

Licensing

3 facts

Short-term rentals allowedYes
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“To use a unit as a short-term rental, it must be: your primary residence”
License requiredYes
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“You are required to register with the City based on Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 23.314 to become a Certified Short-Term Rental Host.”
License fee$451.25
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“There is a $451.25 non-refundable application fee with an additional processing fee added upon submission of application.”

Taxes

5 facts

Lodging tax rate12%
berkeleyca.gov
checked 2 days ago
›Read the wording
“In addition to the 12% Transient Occupancy Tax, hosts must pay a 2% enforcement fee remitted monthly.”
Local lodging tax12%
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“In addition to the 12% Transient Occupancy Tax, hosts must pay a 2% enforcement fee remitted monthly.”
Special district tax2%
berkeleyca.gov

Limits on how you rent

4 facts

Annual night cap90 nights
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“If you are not present while guests are there, you may only rent out your home as a short-term rental for 90 days each calendar year.”
Maximum guests2
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“The number of people that can occupy an STR is generally two per bedroom.”
How occupancy is countedbedrooms
berkeleyca.gov

What you have to provide

4 facts

Primary residence requiredYes
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“To use a unit as a short-term rental, it must be: your primary residence”
Insurance minimum$1, 000, 000
berkeleyca.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“covered by liability insurance of $1,000,000”
Signage requiredYes
Berkeley official source
checked 2 days ago
Read the wording