Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations
Before investing in a property in Bakersfield, CA for short term rental purposes, it is important for an investor to be aware of the regulations and restrictions in place for such rentals. As of now, Bakersfield does not have specific regulations governing short term rentals, such as Airbnb or VRBO, but there are some general rules that investors should keep in mind:
1. Zoning Laws: Investors should check the zoning laws in the specific area where they are considering purchasing a property for short term rental. Some areas may have restrictions on short term rentals or require a special permit.
2. Business License: In Bakersfield, short term rental hosts are required to obtain a business license from the city. This license is necessary to legally operate a short term rental property.
3. Transient Occupancy Tax: Short term rental hosts in Bakersfield are also required to collect and remit transient occupancy tax on each rental transaction. This tax is typically around 12% of the rental amount and must be paid to the city on a regular basis.
4. Health and Safety Regulations: Short term rental properties must comply with health and safety regulations set forth by the city. This may include having smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety measures in place.
5. Noise Regulations: Bakersfield has noise regulations in place that prohibit excessive noise and disturbances. Short term rental hosts should ensure that their guests are aware of these regulations and adhere to them during their stay.
It is important for investors to thoroughly research and understand the regulations and requirements for short term rentals in Bakersfield before purchasing a property for this purpose. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or other penalties, so it is crucial to be informed and proactive in ensuring compliance.