Desert Hot Springs, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Riverside County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredTax: 12%
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/19/2026
12%Tax Rate
500 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Permit Cap4 permits
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistYes

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Capno more than 4% of total housing parcels containing completed developed housing units; no vacation rental within 500 feet radius of another vacation rental
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT12%

Zoning Restrictions

  • ADUs not permitted as STRs; HOA restrictions apply

Official Sources

cityofdhs.org/vacation-rentals/
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Desert Hot Springs, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Desert Hot Springs, California are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit. A lodging/occupancy tax of 12% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Desert Hot Springs, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Desert Hot Springs, California.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Desert Hot Springs?

A short-term rental permit is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Desert Hot Springs?

Short-term rentals in Desert Hot Springs are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 12%.

Where do these Desert Hot Springs short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Desert Hot Springs'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 Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.