October 2024
Disclaimer. This page is intended solely to assist you in understanding the regulations you may need to comply with. The information provided here is not exhaustive and may not reflect the most current legal standards. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws. For further guidance, please contact your local tax authorities or consult with a qualified legal or tax professional.
On May 3rd, 2022, Sunnyvale City Council adopted the Ordinance 3192-22. It adds Chapter 19.36 to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC), which regulates short-term rentals in the City. For more information about STR regulations in Sunnyvale, you can check this page on the official Sunnyvale’s website, or contact the City administration (see contact information here).
Applicable taxes
STR in Sunnyvale are subject to the Transient Occupancy Tax. The tax is paid by the Guests to you as a Host, and you must remit it to the City tax administration. For more information, check this page. Hosts can register and pay TOT through this portal.
Short-term rentals conditions
In Sunnyvale, short-term rentals are defined as the provision of temporary lodging (outside of hotels and motels) for no more than 30 consecutive days.
- Hosted STR in primary residence only. STRs are permitted only in your primary residence and during your presence (so-called Hosted STRs). It may also be permitted in a dwelling unit (granny flat ADU) which is accessory to the primary residence and built before Jan. 1, 2020.
- Zoning rules. Hosted STRs are allowed in any zoning district where residential uses.
- Occupancy limits. A maximum of 4 overnight lodgers (adults) are allowed per night in any single family dwelling or any single dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling.
Hosted STR approval
Aall Hosted STR in Sunnyvale must be approved by the City. Check the list of approved STRs in Sunnyvale.
- Approval process. To obtain approval, you must (i) complete the Transient Occupancy Tax registration here and then, (ii) complete the STR application form (which can be found and sent online here).
You must add the approval number to your misterb&b listing(s) (go to the “Local Requirements” page, via “Edit my listing”). In the absence of a valid approval number, misterb&b may delete your listing.
Business license
If you have separate listings for 3 or more spaces/rooms, or if other business services are provided to Guests during their stay, a business license must be obtained. Check this page for information on how-to get a business license
Maintaining compliance
Your hosting activity must respect all city, State and federal regulations, including without limitations, health, safety, fire, and building codes.
- Nuisance. You are responsible for ensuring the properties used as STR do not become a nuisance for others.
- Fire and safety. You must abide by all fire and safety rules, including maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the property.
Third-party rules
- Community rules. You must abide by other contracts or rules binding him, such as co-op rules, CC&Rs, HOA rules, or other rules established by tenant organizations.
- Lease contract. If you are a renter, you must make sure hosting Guests do not violate the lease.