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Is short-term rental allowed in Sacramento?
Yes, with a permit, and with a 90-day limit if it isn't your primary residence. Every operator of a short-term rental (a stay of 30 days or less) in the City of Sacramento needs a short-term vacation rental permit (City Code 5.114).
This page covers the City of Sacramento only. Unincorporated Sacramento County and other cities have their own rules.
The rules at a glance
| Short-term rental means | A stay of 30 days or less |
|---|---|
| Permit | Short-term vacation rental permit for all operators |
| Primary residence | Allowed with the permit |
| Not your primary residence | Up to 90 days in a calendar year. After that, rentals of 31 days minimum only, until the next year. |
| Business tax | An annual business tax as a hotel of $50 |
Fees
- Short-term rental permit, new: $260.
- Renewal: $250.
From the city's permit fee schedule effective July 1, 2024. Confirm the current amount with the city.
Lodging tax and districts
Short-term rental operators collect and remit a 12% transient occupancy tax (TOT). The Sacramento Tourism Infrastructure District (STID) adds 1% of gross room rent for all short-term stays. The city's STR page also points operators to their Sacramento Tourism Marketing District (STMD) zone. From August 1, 2026, STMD rates are 4.00% (Zone 1), 3.33% (Zone 2), 2.66% (Zone 3) and 1.33% (Zone 4). Find your zone with the city's Land Information Lookup.
What this means for your numbers
In Sacramento, whether the home is your primary residence decides how many short-term nights you can book. Our Rental Strategy Comparison shows a long-term lease and a short-term rental side by side for your address, with the city's lodging tax and rental rules looked up for each order. In a city with a minimum stay, the short-term column is based on that minimum.
Compare long-term and short-term for your home, $39
Official sources
- City of Sacramento: Short Term Vacation Rentals
- City of Sacramento: Transient Occupancy Tax
- City of Sacramento: Permits & Taxes Fee Schedule
Last checked: October 17, 2026. Rules and fees change. Confirm with the City of Sacramento Revenue Division, and with any HOA or lease, before you list. General information, not legal advice.