South Lake Tahoe Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Permit

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Hosted Rental Permit

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Application Process

Online application at southlaketahoe.hdlgov.com; on-site inspection required; annual renewal with no reminder notices

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit; operators collect and remit TOT directly to city

Filing: Quarterly, by the 15th of the month

Rental Limits

South Lake Tahoe does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

2 per bedroom in residential zones; higher limits in Tourist Core (2 per bedroom + 2 additional)

Zoning & Restrictions

Allowed citywide with permit; residential zones capped at 900 permits; multifamily prohibited unless grandfathered

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

South Lake Tahoe does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• On-site inspection required before permit issuance
• Exterior sign (max 12x12 inches) with permit number
• Interior sign required
• Emergency exit signs required
• Bear-resistant waste containers required
• Indoor noise monitoring devices (outside Tourist Core, residential)
• Outdoor video monitoring devices (outside Tourist Core, residential)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• First violation: $1,000
• Second violation within 12 months: $2,000
• Third or subsequent violation within 12 months: $5,000
• Unpaid penalties subject to 25% late fee after 30 days
• Three citations within 24 months may result in permit revocation

Platform Requirements

• Platforms must include VHR permit number in listings
• Residential area listings must include 'family friendly' language (effective April 23, 2026)

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in South Lake Tahoe:

1. Determine your permit type. South Lake Tahoe has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Permit, Hosted Rental Permit).
2. Meet safety requirements. On-site inspection required before permit issuance. Exterior sign (max 12x12 inches) with permit number. Interior sign required. Emergency exit signs required. Bear-resistant waste containers required. Indoor noise monitoring devices (outside Tourist Core, residential). Outdoor video monitoring devices (outside Tourist Core, residential).
3. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application. Fees vary by type: Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Permit $548; Hosted Rental Permit $281. See permit types above to determine which applies.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of South Lake Tahoe Finance Department.
5. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
7. Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($548 + $200–$3,485 annual fee / $281). See permit types above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

Yes. South Lake Tahoe requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 2 permit types — one requires the property to be your primary residence, and another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in South Lake Tahoe?

Permit costs in South Lake Tahoe vary by type: Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Permit $548; Hosted Rental Permit $281.

Does South Lake Tahoe require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

It depends on the permit type. At least one South Lake Tahoe permit requires the property to be your primary residence, while another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use — see the permit types above.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in South Lake Tahoe?

Short-term rental stays in South Lake Tahoe are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) + $5.50 per night Tourism Improvement District (TID) Fee. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in South Lake Tahoe?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $5,000.