Pomona Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Pomona, California has recently passed Urgency Ordinance No. 4327 regulating short-term rentals (STRs) in the city48. The rules went into effect immediately on January 23, 20234. It is now illegal for Pomona homeowners to rent their properties on a short-term basis if they don’t actually live there2. The Pomona City Council unanimously passed new rules to address complaints about short-term rentals, such as excessive noise, parking problems, and trash on surrounding properties2.

Under the urgency ordinance adopted on January 23, 2023, the regulations take effect immediately, and the council may extend them within the next 10 months2. All homeowners with a current city-issued business license will be required to register and obtain a permit2. There are also specific guidelines for parking as guests will be able to utilize only designated, legal on-site parking spaces, according to the staff report2. Before adopting the new rules, the city required homeowners to apply for a business license and pay a fee based upon gross receipts2. Additionally, short-term rental operators were required to pay a bed tax of 10%, as is done by hotels and motels29.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Pomona

Starting a short-term rental business in Pomona can be a lucrative venture for those looking to capitalize on the growing demand for vacation rentals. With its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Disneyland and the beaches of Southern California, Pomona offers a prime location for short-term rentals. However, before diving into this business, it is important to understand the legal requirements and regulations for short-term rentals in Pomona.

This includes obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, complying with zoning laws, and adhering to safety and health regulations. Additionally, it is crucial to establish a strong online presence through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, as well as creating a professional website and social media accounts to attract potential guests. By following these steps and providing exceptional customer service, starting a short-term rental business in Pomona can be a profitable and rewarding endeavor.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Pomona

The new Pomona STR rules require all hosts to register for a permit and meet eligibility requirements to legally operate, including:

• Living on the property for 60+ days before applying
• Meeting owner-occupancy requirements
• Obtaining a zoning clearance letter verifying the property is zoned for STRs

If you are planning to rent out your property for a short period of time in Pomona, you need to obtain a short-term rental license. This license is required by the city to ensure that short-term rentals are safe and comply with local regulations. To obtain a license, you need to submit an application to the city and pay a fee.

The application process includes an inspection of your property to ensure that it meets safety and health standards. Once you have obtained a license, you are required to display it prominently on your property. Failure to obtain a license can result in fines and legal action. 145

Required Documents for Pomona Short Term Rentals

When renting a short-term property in Pomona, there are several documents that you may need to provide to the property owner or manager. These documents help ensure a smooth and legal rental process. Some of the required documents include:

• Proof of Identity: This can be a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify your identity.
• Proof of Address: This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or other official document that shows your current address.
• Proof of Income: This can be a pay stub, bank statement, or tax return that demonstrates your ability to pay the rent on time.
• Credit Check Authorization: This document allows the property owner or manager to run a credit check on you to assess your creditworthiness.
• Rental Application: This form provides the property owner or manager with your personal information, rental history, and references.
• Lease Agreement: This legally binding document outlines the terms and conditions of the rental, including the rent amount, lease duration, and any additional fees or charges.
• Security Deposit Receipt: This document confirms that the security deposit has been received and provides details about the deposit, such as the amount and the purpose for which it will be used.
• Renters Insurance: This document proves that you have renters insurance, which is often required by property owners or managers to protect their property and your belongings in case of damage or theft.

By providing these documents, you can demonstrate your commitment to a responsible and legal rental process, ensuring a positive experience for both you and the property owner or manager.

Pomona Short Term Rental Taxes

If you're planning to rent out your property on a short-term basis in Pomona, California, it's important to understand the regulations and taxes you'll need to comply with. According to Pomona's Short-Term Rental Regulations, hosts must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (TOT) of 10% charged to guests12.

This tax is similar to the bed tax charged by hotels and motels. TOT payments are due monthly, and all STR operators are required to register for a permit and meet eligibility requirements, including living on the property for 60+ days before applying and meeting owner-occupancy requirements13.To register your short-term rental and submit monthly TOT remittances, you can use the following link provided by the City of Pomona: Short Term Rental Registration3.

Additionally, if you have any questions regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax or Short Term Rentals, you can call the Pomona Finance Department at 909-620-206214.It's worth noting that Pomona recently passed Urgency Ordinance No. 4327 regulating short-term rentals (STRs) in the city, which went into effect immediately on January 23, 202313. The new rules require all hosts to register for a permit and meet eligibility requirements, including obtaining a zoning clearance letter verifying the property is zoned for STRs13.

By complying with these regulations and taxes, you can ensure that your short-term rental business in Pomona is legal and operating smoothly.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short-term rentals in Pomona, California are regulated by the city's Short-Term Rental Urgency Ordinance No. 4327, which went into effect on January 23, 2023. The ordinance requires all short-term rental operators to register their establishment with the city and obtain a permit if they meet the eligibility requirements, including living on the property for at least 60 days prior to applying for a permit and meeting owner-occupancy requirements.

The permitee must also obtain a zoning clearance letter verifying that the property is zoned for short-term rentals. The ordinance prohibits un-hosted stays and the use of the property for activities other than overnight lodging accommodations. Short-term rental operators are required to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes of 10% charged to guests, and guests are responsible for paying the tax to the operator at the time the rent is paid. The operator is then required to submit the collected tax to the city.

The city also has rules and regulations that specify minimum design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements for residential and non-residential properties. For more information, short-term rental operators can contact the Pomona Finance Department at 909-620-2062. 1345

Does Pomona Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Pomona's Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations are strictly enforced, and all STR operators are required to register and obtain a permit if they meet the eligibility requirements24. The new regulations, which went into effect on January 23, 2023, require all hosts to register for a permit and meet eligibility requirements, including living on the property for 60+ days before applying and meeting owner-occupancy requirements4.

The regulations also prohibit un-hosted stays and the use of STR properties for activities other than overnight lodging accommodations2. Additionally, STR hosts must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (TOT) of 10% charged to guests45.

The City of Pomona has rules and regulations that specify minimum design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements5.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Pomona?

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in Pomona, you must adhere to the city's recent regulations. Urgency Ordinance No. 4327, effective since January 23, 2023, imposes several requirements for potential hosts. Firstly, hosts must have lived on the property for at least 60 days before applying and meet owner-occupancy requirements.

Additionally, all hosts are mandated to register for a permit, providing proof of primary residency, contact information, number of rooms for rent, and proof of insurance. Furthermore, Pomona enforces a transient occupancy tax (TOT) of 10%, which hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting. The city is strictly enforcing these new rules, with heavy fines of up to $1000 per violation per day for non-compliant hosts.To ensure compliance and kick-start your business, follow these steps:

• Ensure your property meets zoning requirements.
• Obtain a license and register the unit.
• Collect and remit transient occupancy tax.
• Comply with regulations such as parking limits.

For further information or inquiries about short-term rental regulations and zoning, you can contact the Pomona Finance Department at 909-620-2062124.

By following these guidelines, you can establish a legal and successful short-term rental business in Pomona while avoiding potential penalties for non-compliance.

Who to Contact in Pomona About Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Contact the Pomona Finance Department at 909-620-2062 with any STR questions or to learn more about requirements, taxes, and fees.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Pomona on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think About Local Regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Pomona, California, have expressed their opinions about the local regulations on Reddit and Bigger Pockets. Some of the key points include:

• Frustration: Many hosts are frustrated with the city's strict new regulations, which have forced some to halt their operations2.
• Compliance: Compliant hosts can still legally operate short-term rentals in Pomona, but they must adhere to the regulations2.
• Enforcement: Pomona is strictly enforcing the new STR rules, and non-compliant hosts may face heavy fines up to $1000 per violation per day2.
• Limited Options: Pomona is not currently Airbnb-friendly, but compliant hosts can still operate legally2.
• Registration and Permits: All hosts must register for a city permit and meet eligibility requirements, including living on the property for 60+ days before applying and meeting owner-occupancy requirements2.
• Taxes and Fees: Hosts must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (TOT) of 10% charged to guests2.
• Parking and Zoning: Guests can only utilize designated, legal on-site parking spaces, and all STR operators must obtain a zoning clearance letter from the City3.

Overall, the local regulations in Pomona have led to mixed reactions from Airbnb hosts. While some are frustrated with the strict rules, others are willing to comply and continue operating their short-term rentals legally.