California Short-Term Vacation Rental Bond Guide
In some California municipalities, short-term vacation rental home owners need a surety bond before hosting guests.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure vacation rental property owners uphold local regulations
- Who Needs It: All short-term rental property owners in certain California cities
- Required Amount: $1,500
- Premium Rates: Credit-based, typically $100
Keep scrolling to learn more about the bonding process.
What Are Short-Term Vacation Rental Bonds?
These surety bonds ensure that short-term vacation rental properties comply with the following requirements:
- Local housing regulations
- Zoning laws
- Rental taxes and fees
Some California cities require this type of license and permit bond before property owners can host guests for a fee.
How Much Do California Vacation Rental Bonds Cost?
Short-term vacation rental bond premiums cost a small percentage of the coverage amount based on credit score. Most applicants pay just $100 for the required $1,500 coverage.
Select your city below to get your free personalized quote.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Do Short-Term Vacation Rental Bonds Work?
A California short-term vacation rentals bond is a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: The short-term rental home owner purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The California municipality requiring the bond
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
Under this contract, you, as the principal, promise to uphold all local regulations.
If you break the bond terms, harmed parties can file claims. The surety will validate and pay claims up to the full bond amount. However, you are ultimately responsible for refunding the surety.
Who Needs a Short-Term Vacation Rental Bond in California?
In California, the following cities require a $1,500 surety bond for all vacation rental property owners:
Anyone renting a residential property for a fee within these city limits must file a surety bond. This includes properties listed on public platforms, such as Airbnb or VRBO, as well as those rented privately.
In Ventura, you are exempt from the bond requirement if your lease agreement forbids loud social gatherings between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
How to Get a Short-Term Vacation Rentals Bond
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a short-term vacation rentals bond in California. Follow these steps:
- Apply Online: Enter your information for a personalized quote
- Pay Invoice: Complete your purchase online or over the phone
- Receive Bond: Receive your official bond form via email or mail
Upon receipt, sign and file the bond documentation with your city.
How Fast Can I Get My Vacation Rental Bond?
SuretyBonds.com issues vacation rental bonds faster than any other provider. We process most bond applications same-day.
Apply now to receive your free quote.
How Do I Renew My California Vacation Rental Bond?
California vacation rental bonds expire annually. When you work with SuretyBonds.com, we’ll send you reminders and a renewal invoice before your bond expires.
To renew your bond, just pay the premium — we’ll do the rest!
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you may still be able to get bonded with bad credit. However, poor credit may increase your premium rate.
Apply for a free quote or visit our Surety Bond Cost FAQ page to see how credit may impact your cost.
Short-term vacation rental bond premiums cannot be financed.
How Do I Update My Vacation Rental Bond Form?
If you need to make any small adjustments to your official bond form, such as name or address, contact us at [email protected] outlining the requested update.
If possible, we’ll issue a bond rider document to amend your vacation rental bond free of charge.
