Sunnyvale, California Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

A short-term rental (sometimes known as a vacation rental) is when you rent out your house for a short period of time (residence). This might be your entire house, individual rooms, or an auxiliary dwelling unit (granny flat ADU) constructed before January 1, 2020. Short-term rentals are defined as rentals that last for 30 days or less. Short-term rentals are permitted in many single-family residences under certain regulations. However, the following are not eligible for short-term rental under state law: New units created under Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.78, Dual Urban Opportunity Housing, Title 19. The host must reside on-site throughout guests’ (lodgers') stay. To reside on-site means that the property used for short-term rentals is the host’s primary residence, and the host uses the property for eating, sleeping, and other activities of daily living during the periods that lodgers are present. Lodgers may stay in an accessory dwelling unit if the host resides in the primary dwelling. Lodgers may also stay in one dwelling unit of a two-family dwelling if the host resides in the other dwelling unit.  A single-family dwelling or a single dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling may have a maximum of four overnight lodgers per night. Minor children accompanied by an adult are not included in the four overnight lodgers restriction. Unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to rent. Ordinances and Zoning are subject to changes and should always be confirmed with the City of  Sunnyvale Short Term Rental Ordinance. 

Business License Requirements

Property hosts must register as a short-term rental host. The property hosts must bring their completed short-term rental application to the One-Stop Permit Center for approval and pay a one-time registration fee. The host shall also obtain a business license. If applicable, apply for all State and County licenses. 

Building and Housing Standards

The host shall comply with all permit conditions and applicable local, state, and federal laws, including but not limited to health,  safety, fire, and building codes. Please consult the Sunnyvale Code of Ordinances and contact the Community Development Department for more information. 

Tourist and Local Taxes

The Transient Occupancy Tax, also known as a "hotel tax," requires anybody renting any number of rooms for lodging, living, or sleeping purposes to collect, report, and pay this tax to the City. The City of Sunnyvale's Transient Occupancy Tax rate is 12.5 percent. Register for and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax monthly.

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 Sunnyvale website for more information.