Berkeley Registration Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Berkeley's short-term rental registration process under Chapter 23C.22 of the Municipal Code involves several sequential steps designed to ensure that only qualifying primary-residence homeowners operate hosted STRs in the city.

First, the prospective operator must apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit through the City of Berkeley Finance Department. The application requires proof that the property is the operator's primary residence (utility bills, voter registration, driver's license, or similar documentation showing at least 275 days of occupancy per year). The applicant must provide a floor plan or description of the rooms to be rented, demonstrate compliance with building and fire codes (including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes), and certify that the property meets health and safety standards.

Second, the operator must obtain a City of Berkeley Business License, which is a general business registration requirement for any commercial activity conducted within the city. Third, the operator must register for a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate and demonstrate the ability to collect and remit the 12% TOT on all rental income. Some booking platforms collect and remit TOT on behalf of operators in Berkeley, but the operator remains ultimately responsible for ensuring that the full tax obligation is met.

Upon receiving the STR permit, the operator must display the permit number prominently on all online listings, advertisements, and marketing materials. Listings without a valid permit number are subject to enforcement action against both the operator and, in some cases, the hosting platform. The operator must also send written notification to all adjacent property owners and tenants (including properties that share a wall, lot line, or are directly across the street) informing them of the STR activity and providing the name and contact information of the 24-hour local contact person.

Permits must be renewed annually. At renewal, the operator must re-certify primary residence status, update insurance documentation, confirm continued compliance with safety requirements, and report total rental nights and TOT collected during the previous year. The city reserves the right to inspect the property for safety compliance at any time during the permit period. Berkeley's Finance Department and Code Enforcement Division collaborate to monitor major booking platforms for unpermitted listings and respond to complaints from neighbors and community members.