Half Moon Bay, CA

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb Host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your city. We know that our Hosts contribute both economically and culturally to Half Moon Bay, but to keep our community relationships strong, your work cannot end there.

We recommend that you do your own research as this article isn’t fully comprehensive and, as a platform and online marketplace, we do not provide legal or tax advice. Nonetheless, we want to provide resources that may help you better understand the laws and regulations in Half Moon Bay.

This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, you can visit the Half Moon Bay short-term rental page, email HalfMoonBay@hdlgov.com, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Airbnb doesn’t update this article in real time and isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites. Please check each source and make sure that the information provided hasn’t recently changed.

All Short-Term Rentals within Half Moon Bay must register with the City of Half Moon Bay prior to operation. Short-Term Rentals are permitted in all residential zoning districts and mixed-use development within Commercial-Downtown, Commercial-General, and Commercial-Visitor Serving, subject to the requirements of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 18.06.025 of the Half Moon Bay Municipal Code). Short-term rentals are not permitted in accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Registration

In August of 2023, Half Moon Bay enacted an ordinance that requires potential Hosts to acquire a short-term rental (STR) permit, a business license, and a Transient Occupancy Tax registration certificate. To do so, you must:

1. Check out the Short-Term Rental Application and Registration Checklist on page 3 of the hyperlinked document before you start the process to make sure you understand everything that will be required of you.
2. Apply for a business license by following the instructions provided in the city’s Business License Portal. The application for a new business license can be found here.
3. You should familiarize yourself with the TOT portal and understand what is required of you in Half Moon Bay for tax collection. Airbnb collects and remits TOT taxes on behalf of hosts in Half Moon Bay.
4. Once these other steps are completed, fill out your Short-Term Rental Application.
5. You should look through the Frequently Asked Questions on the Half Moon Bay website, but if you need further assistance, you are welcome to contact us at HalfMoonBay@hdlgov.com or by phone at (650) 443-9050.

Additional information

Other Contracts and rules

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.