Concord Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Concord, California?

Concord does not currently have regulations specific to short term rentals. The city code does not mention rules for Airbnbs or other vacation rentals.

However, ADUs (accessory dwelling units) have restrictions on lengths of stay, with a 30 day minimum rental period. These types of secondary units on properties cannot be rented short term.

While the city itself does not regulate Airbnbs, hosts still have to comply with some broader requirements. All hosts must collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% charged on stays under 30 days. This hotel/motel tax applies to all California jurisdictions.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Concord

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in Concord, California, you must follow specific steps and be aware of the local regulations. Currently, there are no short-term rental licenses required in Concord, and the city does not regulate this type of rental property2.

However, there are important considerations and steps to keep in mind when starting an Airbnb or VRBO business in Concord.

Find a Suitable Property: Look for a rental property zoned for residential use.

Research Neighborhood Restrictions: Check for any restrictions from Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in the area.

Prepare the Property: Furnish and prepare the property for guests, ensuring it complies with all safety and regulatory standards.

List on Platforms: Once the property is ready, list it on STR platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and others.

Tax Compliance: Collect the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests and remit the tax payments to the city quarterly2.

It's important to note that while Concord does not currently have specific regulations for short-term rentals, hosts should stay informed about any changes in the local ordinances and zoning regulations.

Additionally, it's advisable to contact the Concord Planning Division at 925-671-3152 for inquiries about zoning and land use2.When considering investing in a short-term rental property in Concord, it's essential to analyze the local rental rates, average cleaning fees, popular amenities, and guest ratings to make an informed decision3.

Furthermore, it's crucial to be mindful of any neighborhood restrictions from HOAs, as finding a complex without rental restrictions in Concord can be challenging4.In summary, while Concord, California, is currently considered Airbnb-friendly with no strict enforcement of short-term rental rules, potential hosts should conduct thorough research, stay informed about any regulatory changes, and ensure compliance with tax requirements and neighborhood restrictions before starting a short-term rental business in the city.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Concord

In Concord, California, individuals interested in operating a short-term rental (STR) must comply with specific licensing requirements. To initiate this process, applicants must obtain a valid transient occupancy registration certificate issued pursuant to Chapter 64-4 of the county code before renting or offering the rental. Additionally, a copy of the business license must be provided to the Community Development staff.

The applicant/owner must acknowledge compliance with the specified criteria, and any violation of these regulations may result in potential fines1.The host's primary residence must be documented by at least two of the following: motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, California state identification card, voter registration, income tax return, property tax bill, or a utility bill.

Furthermore, no more than one short-term rental may be operated on any lot, and the residential dwelling unit must be located within a building that contains five or fewer dwelling units1.It's important to note that as of the current information available, there are no formal regulations on short-term rentals in Concord, and the city code does not mention specific rules for Airbnbs or other vacation rentals.

However, hosts are still required to collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% charged on stays under 30 days, which applies to all California jurisdictions3.For further inquiries about zoning and land use regulations, individuals can contact the Concord Planning Division at 925-671-31523. It's essential to stay updated on the latest regulations, as ordinances and zoning are subject to changes and should always be confirmed with the City of Concord4.

Required Documents for Concord Short Term Rentals

The required documents for Concord short-term rentals are not explicitly stated in the search results. However, to verify that your short-term rental request complies with County zoning requirements, you must submit an application that includes the following information3:

• Primary residence documentation of the host(s) if the short-term rental will be hosted for any period. The host’s primary residence must be documented by at least two of the following: motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, California state identification card, voter registration, income tax return, property tax bill, or a utility bill.
• Location: No more than one short-term rental may be operated on any lot.
• Approval from the Homeowners Association (HOA) if the property is part of an HOA.
• A valid transient occupancy registration certificate issued pursuant to Chapter 64-4 of this code before renting or offering to rent a short-term rental.

It is important to note that the information provided in the search results may be outdated due to the constant changes in STR regulations in each market. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the City of Concord for the most updated information on required documents for short-term rentals2.

Concord Short Term Rental Taxes

In Concord, California, hosts of short-term rentals (STRs) are required to pay a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 10% on all bookings under 30 days. This tax is paid directly to the city on a quarterly basis4.

The TOT is a percentage of the cost of the guest's stay that is added to the bill, and the host is responsible for collecting and remitting it to the city24. The maximum number of days a short-term rental may be rented in a calendar year is 180 days, and no more than one short-term rental may be operated on any lot9.

The TOT funds are discretionary, and the city may direct the use of these funds for any legitimate county expense8. The TOT is a significant source of revenue for the local government, and as such, tax authorities are becoming more aggressive in their efforts to identify individuals and businesses that are not in compliance with TOT regulations2.

Failure to register with tax authorities and file short-term rental tax returns can result in penalties and legal action2.To ensure compliance with TOT regulations and other short-term rental rules, hosts should be aware of the specific regulations in Concord and stay updated on any changes in the city's ordinances and zoning codes3. It's important to note that the city's regulations on short-term rentals are subject to change, and hosts should always confirm the current regulations with the City of Concord6.

By understanding and adhering to the TOT and other regulations, hosts can ensure that their short-term rental business in Concord is in full compliance with local laws and contribute to the city's revenue while avoiding potential penalties and legal action48.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

In California, short-term rental regulations vary by city and municipality, as individual cities have the right to set their own rules1. However, there are some general guidelines and requirements that apply statewide.

Federal Tax Implications

The United States government considers a property as a short-term rental business if it meets the following criteria1:

• Rented out for a minimum of 14 calendar days each year
• Used personally for no more than 14 calendar days (or more than 10% of the time that the property is occupied in a calendar year)

By meeting these requirements, property owners can maximize their potential federal tax benefits and deductions.

Statewide Rules and Regulations

While specific rules and regulations differ across California, some general guidelines apply to short-term rentals across the state1:

Rental period length

To qualify as a short-term rental in California, the maximum length of stay is typically 30 consecutive days or less. However, some cities and counties have exceptions for longer reservations up to 90 days, provided there are no back-to-back bookings4.

Primary residence documentation

Hosts must provide documentation of their primary residence, such as motor vehicle registration, driver's license, California state identification card, voter registration, income tax return, property tax bill, or a utility bill2.

Parking requirements

Short-term rentals must comply with local parking requirements, which may vary by city3.

Operational standards

Short-term rentals must adhere to certain operational standards, such as prohibiting excessive traffic and noise, obstructing roads, or allowing more than 20 total persons at a time3.

It is essential to be familiar with the specific rules and regulations in the city or municipality where you plan to operate a short-term rental, as enforcement and requirements can vary1.

Does Concord Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Concord, California has strict regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) that are enforced by the city. The maximum number of days a short-term rental may be rented in a calendar year is 180 days, and no more than one short-term rental may be operated on any lot.

The city requires a STR permit to operate a short-term rental, and all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property will be noticed upon issuance of a STR permit. The city also enforces operational standards for short-term rentals, including compliance with parking requirements, maximum occupancy requirements, and noise regulations. Violation of these regulations may result in fines or shut down of the short-term rental.Despite the strict regulations, some hosts operate in Concord despite the rules, but they risk being fined or shut down.

According to search results, Concord is not considered Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities in California with restrictions. Some hosts have expressed confusion around taxes, but the city requires hosts to pay the Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% on all bookings under 30 days, which is paid directly to the city quarterly.

To start a short-term rental business in Concord, hosts need to obtain a STR permit, ensure that their short-term rental complies with the operational standards, and collect the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests. Hosts may contact the Building Division at (925) 671-3170 or email building@cityofconcord.org for information on short-term rental regulations and zoning.

According to a post on Bigger Pockets, it is difficult to find a complex without rental restrictions in Concord. Another post suggests that Concord is worth looking at to invest, but a deeper analysis must be done because the HOAs might be the killer of cash flow.In conclusion, Concord, California has strict regulations for short-term rentals that are enforced by the city.

Hosts who wish to operate a short-term rental in Concord must obtain a STR permit, comply with operational standards, and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax. While some hosts operate in Concord despite the rules, they risk being fined or shut down.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Concord

To start a short-term rental business in Concord, California, it is essential to understand the local regulations and requirements. While the city does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

First and foremost, hosts must pay the Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% on all bookings under 30 days, which is paid directly to the city quarterly4. Additionally, the maximum number of days a short-term rental may be rented in a calendar year is 180 days, and no more than one short-term rental may be operated on any lot8. It's important to note that while the city itself does not regulate Airbnbs, hosts still have to comply with some broader requirements, such as collecting and remitting the Transient Occupancy Tax4.

When considering the practical aspects of starting a short-term rental business in Concord, it's crucial to ensure that the property complies with the operational standards, parking requirements, and maximum occupancy regulations1. Furthermore, since the city does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals, there are no short-term rental licenses required, and hosts are not required to register rental properties with the city4.

It's also worth noting that Concord is not considered Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities in California with restrictions, and some hosts operate in Concord despite the rules, risking fines or shutdowns1. Therefore, it's important for potential hosts to carefully consider the local regulations and enforcement practices before starting a short-term rental business in Concord.

In summary, while Concord, California, does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals, hosts must comply with the Transient Occupancy Tax requirements and ensure that their properties adhere to the operational standards and other relevant regulations. Understanding these considerations is crucial for anyone looking to start a short-term rental business in Concord.

Who to Contact About Short Term Rental Regulations

Contact the Concord Planning Division at 925-671-3152 for inquiries about zoning and land use regulations for short term rental properties.Reach out to the Concord Finance Department at 925-671-3444 for questions concerning transient occupancy tax collection.

What Do Airbnb Hosts Think About Local Regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Concord, California have mixed opinions about local regulations. Some hosts operate in Concord despite the rules, but they risk being fined or shut down1. According to a post on Bigger Pockets, it is difficult to find a complex without rental restrictions in Concord3. Another post on Bigger Pockets suggests that Concord is worth looking at to invest, but a deeper analysis must be done because the HOAs might be the killer of cash flow9.

However, some Airbnb hosts in Concord have had negative experiences with local guests. One host on the Airbnb Community forum reported that 75% of their local guests had completely broken house rules, held parties, left enormous messes, smoked pot in their loft, and damaged their furniture1.

It is important for Airbnb hosts to understand the laws in their city, county, state, province, territory, and/or country (their “jurisdiction”) 2. Some cities have laws that restrict the ability to host paying guests for short periods, and these laws are often part of a city's zoning or administrative codes3.

Airbnb encourages guests to promptly report violations of ground rules, and actions taken by Airbnb may include providing information to hosts about the policy and issuing warnings. When repeated or severe violations of ground rules are reported, hosts or their listings may be suspended or removed from the platform5.