| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — a city-issued Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit is required for all rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days; renewed annually within 30 days p |
| Tax Rate | TOT applies (specific rate not stated in sources). |
| Night / Day Cap | Unknown (no specific annual night cap identified; STR defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days). |
| Minimum Stay | Rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days are classed as short-term (i.e., 30-day minimum to be exempt from VHR rules). |
| Permit Fee | $281 application fee at online submittal and for every renewal period (figure cited for Hosted Rental application). |
| Penalties | Administrative citations for noise, parking, occupancy, or trash complaints (owner and occupants both liable); repeat violators have permits revoked. |
| Primary Residence Required | No (Measure T's permanent-resident exception was struck down as unconstitutional in 2025; current ordinance does not require primary residency). |
| Occupancy Limit | Two adults per bedroom; up to five children aged 13 and under do not count toward the limit. Minimum renter age is 25. |
Short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe, California are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — a city-issued Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit is required for all rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days; renewed annually within 30 days prior to expiration.. The associated permit fees are $281 application fee at online submittal and for every renewal period (figure cited for Hosted Renta.
Short-term rental operators in South Lake Tahoe should be aware of these tax obligations: TOT applies (specific rate not stated in sources).. Yes — Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies and must be collected/remitted..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in South Lake Tahoe include: Primary residence requirement: No (Measure T's permanent-resident exception was struck down as unconstitutional in 2025; current ordinance does not req. Rental day cap: Unknown (no specific annual night cap identified; STR defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days).. Occupancy limit: Two adults per bedroom; up to five children aged 13 and under do not count toward the limit. Minimum renter age is 25.. Minimum stay: Rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days are classed as short-term (i.e., 30-day minimum to be exempt from VHR rules)..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe: VHRs allowed in residential areas again under the amended ordinance, subject to permitting. Tourist Core / commercial / recreational areas regulated under Tourist Core Area Plan and not subject to the. Density rules: Hard cap of no more than 900 VHR permits in residential areas; prior 150-foot buffer between VHRs removed. A waitlist opens once the cap is reached..
Hosts who fail to comply with South Lake Tahoe's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Administrative citations for noise, parking, occupancy, or trash complaints (owner and occupants both liable); repeat violators have permits revoked. Enforced 24/7 by SLT Police Department Community S.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in South Lake Tahoe: Advertising platforms must include 'family friendly' language for VHRs in residential areas; valid permit required to advertise rentals under 30 days..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in South Lake Tahoe but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Requires 24/7 local property manager, in-person or virtual guest check-in with good-neighbor contract, indoor noise monitoring, exterior video cameras, animal-resistant/bear-box trash storage, 10 p.m.
Yes. South Lake Tahoe requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — a city-issued Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit is required for all rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days; renewed annually within 30 days prior to expiration..
Short-term rental hosts in South Lake Tahoe are subject to the following tax obligations: TOT applies (specific rate not stated in sources)..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in South Lake Tahoe may face enforcement. Administrative citations for noise, parking, occupancy, or trash complaints (owner and occupants both liable); repeat violators have permits revoked. Enforced 24/7 by SLT Police Department Community Services Division..
Attached condominiums eligible unless HOA rules prohibit VHRs (apartments excluded). Permit-denial appeals go to an independent hearing officer. Measure T (2018) had banned residential STRs from 2021 until struck down in court in 2025.
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