Modesto, California Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Modesto Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rentals are unregulated in Modesto. The City of Modesto does not have a specific ordinance regulating short-term rentals. However, you would be required to obtain a City Business License and pay Transient Occupancy Taxes. Ordinances and Zoning are subject to changes and should always be confirmed with the Modesto Community & Economic Development Department.Business License Requirements
Modesto doesn’t have any regulations pertaining to registering short-term rentals, but short-term rentals are required to obtain a City Business License. If applicable, apply for all State and County licenses.Building and Housing Standards
Modesto has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Please consult the Modesto Code of Ordinances and contact the Modesto Community & Economic Development Department for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals are subjected to applying Transient Occupancy Taxes. Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the state and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Modesto website for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating7.2
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Competition
9.0 -
Real Estate Cost
6.6 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
9.2 -
Rental Rates
3.0
Modesto, California Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 218,464
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- May to August
- County
- Stanislaus
- Airports
- Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Want to learn more about Modesto?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Modesto rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Modesto rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Modesto.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Modesto guests.
Interested in other California cities?
Check out the California short term rental regulations directory
What makes Modesto a great place to invest?
- Modesto, California is a city rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. One of its most popular attractions is the McHenry Mansion, a beautiful Victorian home built in 1883 that has been beautifully restored and is now a museum showcasing the city's rich history. Visitors can explore the mansion's beautifully decorated rooms and learn about the city's early settlers, who helped shape its unique character and identity.
- Another must-visit attraction in Modesto is the Gallo Center for the Arts, which offers a variety of live performances, concerts, and events throughout the year. From classical music and dance to comedy and theater, there's something for everyone at the Gallo Center, making it one of the city's most vibrant and exciting cultural hubs.
- For those who love the great outdoors, Modesto is a paradise, with a variety of parks and natural spaces that offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The city's biggest park, the Graceada Park, is a beautiful green space with a large lake, picnic areas, and a bandstand that hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
- And for sports fans, Modesto is home to a number of professional and amateur sports teams, including the Modesto Nuts, a Minor League Baseball team that offers exciting and affordable entertainment for the whole family. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply looking for a fun day out, the Modesto Nuts are a must-visit attraction.
- Finally, Modesto is conveniently located near a number of exciting destinations, including the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley, making it a great starting point for a California road trip or a convenient stopover for travelers exploring the region. So, Modesto, California is a great place to visit with your family or friends and there's always something new to discover.
Modesto Nearby Cities
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20 miles away
- Rating: 7.6
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49 miles away
- Rating: 6.3
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Modesto?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Modesto has decreased -6% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $282, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$438,704
-6% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$282
-7% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,994
5% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Modesto, California
Common terms for Modesto short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Modesto has a description approximately 971 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 352 listings in Modesto, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Modesto, Place, Pool, Backyard, Beautiful, Quiet, Perfect, Yard, Feel, and Clean.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Modesto?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Modesto involve going to the Health Spa, Museums, the City Centre, Hiking, and Adventure Activities. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Health Spa
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Museums
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City Centre
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Hiking
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Adventure Activities
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Winery Tours
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Swimming
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Rafting
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Outlet Shopping
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Boating
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Wildlife Viewing
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Water Tubing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Modesto, including Big League Dreams - Manteca, California State University Stanislaus, Rainbow Fields, Vintage Faire Mall, and Gallo Center for the Arts. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Local Landmark
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Rainbow Fields
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Vintage Faire Mall
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Gallo Center for the Arts
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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California State University Stanislaus
Included on 58% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Big League Dreams - Manteca
Included on 6% of listings
What’s the weather like in Modesto, California?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 76°, while the average low is about 51°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 16 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Modesto are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
41° Low 58° High
Spring
March through May
50° Low 75° High
Summer
June through August
62° Low 93° High
Fall
September through November
52° Low 78° High
Cities Near Modesto
Modesto, California, is located in Stanislaus County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
