Short‑Term Rentals & TOT in Santa Rosa Valley

Thinking about listing your Santa Rosa Valley home as a short-term rental? You are not alone, and the rules can feel confusing at first. The good news is you can get compliant and stay profitable with a clear plan. In this guide, you will learn how Ventura County’s permits, operating rules, and the 8% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) work for rentals of 30 days or less. Let’s dive in.

What applies in Santa Rosa Valley

Santa Rosa Valley sits in unincorporated Ventura County, so county rules govern short-term rentals and TOT. That means the County’s Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) program and Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance apply to you. You will work with the Resource Management Agency for permits and operating standards, and with the Treasurer-Tax Collector for TOT registration and filings. Review the County’s TRU overview and FAQs to understand the permitting process and operating rules in detail: Temporary Rental Units and TRU FAQs.

TOT basics for hosts

Ventura County imposes 8% TOT on rent charged for stays of 30 consecutive days or less in unincorporated areas. You must register as an operator and obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate before collecting tax. By default, returns are filed quarterly and are due on or before the last day of the month after the quarter ends. You can find the rate, registration steps, deadlines, and penalties in the County’s TOT ordinance page.

Platform collection and your responsibility

Some marketplaces may collect and remit TOT in certain locations, but arrangements can change and may not cover every listing. Under County rules, you as the operator are ultimately responsible for correct collection and remittance. Confirm your platform’s tax settings and keep proof of any taxes remitted on your behalf. For common questions, see the County’s TOT FAQs.

TRU permits and operating rules

If you rent for fewer than 30 days, you must secure a TRU permit before you advertise or host. Permits are issued for up to one year and generally do not transfer with a sale. The County requires an application fee and a compliance monitoring deposit. Current fee amounts are listed in the TRU FAQs and should be confirmed before you apply.

Management, insurance, and guest rules

You must list a 24/7 local contact who can respond quickly to complaints. During quiet hours 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m., the contact must reach guests within 15 minutes; at other times, within 30 minutes. Maintain commercial general liability insurance that meets County minimums, and post required exterior signage and interior notices with house rules, contacts, and trash/recycling info. Occupancy is generally limited to two persons per bedroom for up to five bedrooms plus two additional persons, subject to County maximums. See the TRU FAQs for full standards.

Listings and on-site postings

Your online listing and rental agreement must display the TRU permit number, occupancy limits, parking information, quiet hours, and your manager contact details. You must also post an exterior sign and an interior rules sheet near the main entrance. Keep records for at least three years.

Enforcement and penalties

Operating without a permit or violating TRU rules can result in infractions or misdemeanors and civil administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day for confirmed violations. For late or unpaid TOT, the ordinance provides penalties and interest, including a 10% initial late penalty and additional penalties for continued delinquency. Details are outlined on the County’s TOT page and in the TRU FAQs.

Buyer due diligence for STR properties

If you are purchasing a home with short-term rental history, verify the basics up front. Ask for the current TRU permit, County Business Tax Certificate, and Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. Request copies of TOT filings, platform remittance statements if applicable, and at least three years of rental and tax records. Also review any Code Compliance history, complaint logs, insurance certificates, and inspection reports. Permits may not transfer at closing, so plan time and costs to reapply. Start with the County’s TRU FAQs and TOT ordinance page.

Seller prep and disclosures

If you are selling, be transparent about TRU permit status, any outstanding fines or violations, and your TOT collection and remittance history. Confirm that past listings included the required permit number and house rules. If your permit is personal to you or ends at transfer, let buyers know they will need to reapply. Point interested buyers to the County’s TRU FAQs so they understand the process and timelines.

State rules that affect your listing

Two California consumer protection laws apply alongside County rules. AB 537 requires transparent pricing for short-term lodging, including disclosure of mandatory fees in the upfront advertised price. Review a summary of the law here: AB 537 transparent pricing. SB 644 requires platforms and hosts to allow penalty-free cancellations for at least 24 hours after booking when the reservation is made 72 hours or more before check-in. You can read the statute text at California Civil Code Sections 1748.80–1748.82.

Quick compliance checklist

• Confirm your property qualifies and apply for your TRU permit before advertising.
• Obtain your County Business Tax Certificate and your Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate.
• Set your platform’s tax settings and verify whether it collects Ventura County TOT for your listing.
• Collect 8% TOT on stays of 30 days or less and file returns on time.
• Post required exterior signage and interior rules; include your permit number in all listings.
• Set house rules for occupancy, parking, trash, and quiet hours 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
• Maintain commercial liability insurance and a 24/7 contact who can respond within required times.
• Keep rental, tax, and complaint records for at least three years and renew your permit annually.

Avoid costly pitfalls

Most penalties come from two issues: operating without a TRU permit or mishandling TOT. Start early with the County’s application process, confirm whether your platform is remitting taxes, and file on time. Keep your contact responsive and your rules visible to reduce complaints. If you are unsure about anything, documenting your process and contacting the County for clarification can save you time and money.

Ready to map out a smart hosting plan or evaluate a purchase or sale with STR history in Santa Rosa Valley? Reach out to Joanne Carolan for local guidance grounded in decades of Ventura County experience.

FAQs

What is the TOT rate for short-term rentals in Santa Rosa Valley?

• Ventura County charges 8% on rent for stays of 30 days or less in unincorporated areas, which includes Santa Rosa Valley.

Do I need a permit to rent my home for weekends in Santa Rosa Valley?

• Yes, you need a County TRU permit for rentals under 30 days before you advertise or host.

Does Airbnb or Vrbo collect Ventura County TOT for me?

• It depends on platform agreements and settings, but you as the operator remain responsible for correct collection and remittance.

How many guests can I host overnight in a Ventura County STR?

• The County generally allows up to two persons per bedroom for up to five bedrooms plus two additional persons, subject to County maximums.

What are the quiet hours for STRs in Ventura County?

• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. and no outdoor amplified sound is allowed during those hours.

When are Ventura County TOT returns due?

• Quarterly returns are typically due by the last day of the month following the end of the calendar quarter, unless the Tax Collector sets a different schedule.

Do TRU permits transfer to a buyer when the property is sold?

• No, permits are issued for up to one year and can end at transfer, so buyers should plan to reapply after closing.