Palm Springs is one of California’s most popular short-term rental markets, attracting vacationers year-round for festivals, golf, and resort-style living. While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer lucrative opportunities for property owners, Palm Springs enforces some of the strictest short-term rental regulations in the state. Hosts who fail to comply risk significant fines, permit revocation, and legal consequences. Understanding local laws is essential before listing a property. Attorneys at SBEMP (Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy & Pinkney) law firm provides professional legal advice and services to clients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Inland Empire, Orange County, Coachella Valley, and surrounding communities.
What Qualifies as a Short-Term Rental in Palm Springs
In Palm Springs, a short-term rental generally refers to the rental of a residential property for fewer than 28 consecutive days. This includes single-family homes, condos, and townhomes offered through platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar services.
Palm Springs regulates short-term rentals aggressively to protect neighborhood quality of life, and enforcement is active and ongoing.
Palm Springs Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
All short-term rental hosts in Palm Springs are required to obtain a valid city-issued vacation rental permit before advertising or renting their property. Operating without a permit can result in immediate fines.
Permit requirements typically include:
• Submission of a vacation rental application
• Payment of permit and renewal fees
• Designation of a local contact person available 24 hours a day
• Compliance with safety and occupancy standards
• Agreement to follow all city rules and enforcement policies
Permits must be renewed annually and can be revoked for repeated violations.
Occupancy Limits and Behavioral Rules
Palm Springs imposes strict occupancy and behavior regulations on short-term rentals. These rules are designed to minimize noise, overcrowding, and neighborhood disruption.
Key restrictions often include:
• Maximum overnight occupancy based on bedroom count
• Limits on daytime guests
• Quiet hours enforcement
• Restrictions on amplified music
• Parking limitations
Violations can lead to escalating fines, citations, and eventual loss of the rental permit.
Fines and Enforcement in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is known for its aggressive enforcement of vacation rental laws. Fines for violations can be substantial and may increase with repeated offenses. The city uses complaint-based enforcement and monitoring tools to identify violations.
Even a single serious violation can jeopardize a host’s ability to continue operating legally.
HOA and Community Restrictions
In addition to city regulations, many Palm Springs properties are subject to homeowners association or condominium association rules. HOAs may prohibit or further restrict short-term rentals, regardless of city approval.
Property owners should carefully review governing documents, including CC&Rs and bylaws, before listing a property. Violating HOA rules can result in fines, litigation, or forced cessation of rentals.
Tax Obligations for Short-Term Rental Hosts
Short-term rental income in Palm Springs is subject to local Transient Occupancy Tax. Hosts are responsible for registering with the city and ensuring taxes are properly collected and remitted.
While some platforms may collect taxes on behalf of hosts, owners remain legally responsible for compliance and accurate reporting.
Liability and Legal Risk for Hosts
Short-term rental hosts face unique legal risks, including:
• Guest injuries
• Property damage
• Neighbor disputes
• Code enforcement actions
• Contract and insurance coverage issues
Proper insurance, clearly written house rules, and legal guidance help reduce exposure, but they do not eliminate risk entirely.
When to Consult a Business or Real Estate Attorney
Because Palm Springs short-term rental laws are complex and frequently updated, consulting a knowledgeable real estate or business attorney is strongly recommended. Legal counsel can assist with permit compliance, dispute resolution, enforcement actions, and long-term risk management.
Before purchasing or listing a short-term rental property in Palm Springs, understanding the legal landscape can protect your investment and prevent costly mistakes.
Have any legal questions? Contact the Attorneys at SBEMP Law Firm:
For more information or to request a consultation please contact the law offices of SBEMP (Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy & Pinkney) by clicking here.
SBEMP LLP is a full service law firm with attorney offices in Palm Springs (Palm Desert, Inland Empire, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells), CA; Indian Wells, CA; Costa Mesa (Orange County), CA; San Diego, CA; New Jersey, NJ; and New York, NY.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading it. This blog post may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING in some states. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Additional facts or future developments may affect subjects contained within this blog post. Before acting or relying upon any information within this newsletter, seek the advice of an attorney.