Berkeley, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Alameda County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredProcessing: 90 days
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
90Annual Cap

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$395.00 non-refundable application fee
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified
Est. Processing Time90 days

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Max Nights Per Year90
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT12% Transient Occupancy Tax plus 2% enforcement fee

Zoning Restrictions

  • R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-S, R-SMU, C-C, C-U, C-NS, C-SA, C-T, C-DMU, C-W, MUR zones (including Hillside overlay)

Official Sources

berkeleyca.gov/city-services/livable-neighborhoods/short-term-rentals
Data confidence: 98%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Berkeley, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Berkeley, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $395.00 non-refundable applica). The home must be the host's primary residence. A lodging/occupancy tax of 12% Transient Occupa applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Berkeley, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Berkeley, California. The home must be the host's primary residence.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Berkeley?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $395.00 non-refundable applica.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Berkeley?

Short-term rentals in Berkeley are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 12% Transient Occupa.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Berkeley?

Yes — Berkeley sets a cap of 90 rental nights per year.

Where do these Berkeley short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Berkeley's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Berkeley, Alameda County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.