Executive Summary: STR Status in Red Bluff, CA

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Red Bluff, California. As of June 20, 2024, Tehama County requires all operators in unincorporated areas to obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit. This includes the Red Bluff area, which is governed by Tehama County for most unincorporated land. The city operates under the county's transient occupancy tax (TOT) framework, with a hotel tax rate of 8% levied on the privilege of occupying lodging for 30 days or less.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Red Bluff

Step-by-Step Process

1. Register for STR Permit

   • Register through the official Tehama County STR portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-tehama-str-portal/
   • Registration is mandatory for all unincorporated areas of Tehama County, including Red Bluff vicinity

2. Tax Registration and Compliance

   • Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection at 8% rate
   • Submit quarterly TOT returns online through the county platform
   • Collect tax from guests, not from the operator

3. Compliance Verification

   • Confirm all tax remittances and reporting requirements are met
   • Maintain consistent record-keeping practices
   • Respond to any county inquiries promptly

4. Property Setup

   • Ensure property meets all safety and health standards
   • Consider local design review requirements if in the historic district
   • Verify zoning compliance for residential short-term rentals

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation

• STR Permit Application (required since June 20, 2024)
• Property Ownership Verification or rental authorization documentation
• Proof of Insurance (recommended for liability protection)
• Property Safety Inspection (if required by county)
• Business Registration with Tehama County (if applicable)

Reporting Requirements

• Quarterly TOT Returns (mandatory regardless of platform agreements)
• Platform Transaction Reports (for AirBNB and VRBO)
• Check-in/Check-out Date Documentation (tax reporting is based on actual stay dates, not payment dates)

Insurance and Safety Guidelines

• Maintain adequate liability insurance for guests and property
• Ensure property meets all safety codes and health standards
• Post emergency contact information for guests
• Follow all local building codes and zoning requirements

Specific Regulations: Short-Term Rentals in Red Bluff

Tax Collection and Remittance

Tax Rate: 8% TOT on all stays of 30 days or less

• Applied to all unincorporated areas of Tehama County, including Red Bluff vicinity
• Collected from guests by the operator
• Quarterly remittance required through county platform

Platform Agreements (VCAs)

VRBO (Voluntary Collection Agreement Active)

• VRBO collects and remits TOT directly to Tehama County on behalf of operators
• Registration still required for compliance verification
• Quarterly filing of returns still mandatory through county platform

AirBNB (No Voluntary Collection Agreement)

• AirBNB does not currently have a VCA with Tehama County
• Operators must collect TOT from guests directly
• Remit taxes quarterly to the county
• Actively pursuing partnership (future changes possible)

Reporting Requirements

VRBO Reporting Protocol

1. Generate "Payout Summary Report" in VRBO Owner Account:

   • Reservation Manager → Financial Reporting
   • Select "Payout Summary Report"
   • Date range selection: stays within range (not payouts)
   • Download and save in .XLS, .PDF, or .CSV format
   • Print landscape and scale to fit one page

2. Generate "Stay Tax Report":

   • Reservation Manager → Financial Reporting
   • Select "Stay Tax Report"
   • Email completed report to tax@tehama.gov

AirBNB Reporting Protocol

1. Access Gross Earnings Report in AirBNB Host Account:
   • Host → Hosting Dashboard
   • Profile photo → Transaction History
   • Gross Earnings tab → select date range
   • Download to CSV format
   • Use "Column O - Gross Earnings" for total (not Column K - Amount)
   • Email report to tax@tehama.gov

Critical Filing Reminder: All TOT reports must be based on actual stay dates (check-in dates), not payment receipt dates.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Tehama County Treasurer-Tax Collector

• Phone: Contact through main county line
• Email: tax@tehama.gov
• Website: www.tehama.gov/government/departments/treasurer-tax-collector/transient-occupancy-tax-tot/
• STR Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-tehama-str-portal/
• Address: 727 Oak Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080

Community Development Department (Red Bluff)

• Phone: (530) 527-2605
• Website: www.cityofredbluff.org/departments/community_development/
• Purpose: Design review, zoning compliance, building permits

Board of Supervisors (Tehama County)

• Meeting Schedule: Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.
• Meeting Location: Tehama County Administrative Office, 727 Oak Street, Red Bluff, CA
• Email: tcbos@tehama.gov

Source References

1. Tehama County Transient Occupancy Tax Information: www.tehama.gov/government/departments/treasurer-tax-collector/transient-occupancy-tax-tot/

2. STR Permit Registration Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-tehama-str-portal/

3. Red Bluff Community Development Regulations: www.cityofredbluff.org/departments/community_development/regulations.php

4. Tehama County Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/ca/tehama_county/codes/code_of_ordinances

5. VRBO TOT Instructions: www.tehama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/TOT-VRBO-Instructions-24.08.21.pdf

6. AirBNB TOT Instructions: www.tehama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/TOT-AirBnB-Instructions-24.08.21.pdf

Important Notes for Investors

• Grandfathered Properties: Existing STR operations before June 20, 2024, still require permits and compliance
• Historic District Considerations: Properties in Red Bluff's Historic Commercial or Historic Residential districts may require design review compliance
• Platform Compliance: Even with VCA agreements, operators must maintain quarterly reporting requirements
• Documentation Retention: Keep detailed records of all transactions, stays, and tax remittances for at least four years
• Regulatory Updates: Monitor county communications for potential changes in STR regulations or tax rates

This guide represents the current regulatory environment as of the most recent information available. STR investors should verify current requirements directly with county officials before making investment decisions or beginning operations.