Redlands, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Redlands, California?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Redlands, California, subject to specific regulations and requirements. However, Redlands operates under its own municipal rules rather than San Bernardino County's ordinances since it is an incorporated city within the county. This guide provides comprehensive information for investors and operators looking to establish or manage short-term rental properties in Redlands.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Redlands?

Redlands hosts earn a median $31,491/year with $147 ADR and 69% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $53,939+ per year.

See the full Redlands market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Redlands

1. Preliminary Due Diligence

Verify Zoning Compliance: Before purchasing or listing a property, confirm that short-term rentals are permitted in the specific zoning district. Redlands has zoning restrictions that may prohibit STRs in certain residential zones.
Review HOA/Condo Rules: If the property is part of a homeowners association or condominium complex, obtain written approval for STR operations as many associations restrict or prohibit short-term rentals.

2. Business Structure Formation

While not legally required, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is highly recommended for liability protection and tax benefits. This separates personal assets from business assets and provides financial safeguards against potential legal issues.

3. Business Registration Process

Register your short-term rental business with the City of Redlands
Obtain a general business license as required by local ordinances
Consider registering for state tax purposes if operating as a formal business entity

4. Property Preparation

Ensure the property meets all safety requirements including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits
Install proper safety signage and emergency information
Prepare the property for potential inspections
Consider professional staging and photography to maximize booking potential

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate: Mandatory registration with the City of Redlands
Business License: General business license required to operate legally
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate: Required for collecting and remitting the 10% TOT

State-Level Considerations

Business Entity Documents: Articles of Organization/Incorporation if forming an LLC or corporation
Employer Identification Number (EIN): Required from the IRS for tax purposes and business banking

Essential Documentation

Proof of property ownership or lease authorization
Property insurance documentation (recommended minimum $500,000 liability coverage)
Emergency contact information and 24-hour response procedures
Safety compliance certifications and inspection records

Guidelines and Standards

Maximum occupancy limits (typically based on property size and bedroom count)
Noise control measures and quiet hours compliance
Parking regulations and guest vehicle management
Trash collection and property maintenance standards

Specific Regulations for Redlands and California

Redlands Municipal Requirements

Registration Requirement: All STR properties must be registered with the city annually
Tax Collection: Hosts must collect and remit 10% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests
Zoning Compliance: Short-term rentals subject to local zoning ordinances - verify permitted use before operating
Safety Standards: Properties must meet building and fire safety codes
Advertising Requirements: Registration numbers must appear in all online listings and advertisements

California State Framework

Definition: Short-term rentals defined as stays of 30 consecutive days or less
No State Licensing: California does not issue state-level STR permits or licenses
Health and Safety Compliance: Properties must adhere to California Fire Code and Building Standards
Tax Obligations: Both federal and state income tax requirements apply to STR income
Insurance Requirements: While not state-mandated, liability insurance is strongly recommended

Common Operational Restrictions

Occupancy Limits: Typically restricted to 2 adults per bedroom with maximum guest caps
Minimum Stay Requirements: May vary by zone or property type
Host Responsibilities: 24-hour contact availability for guest issues and complaints
Neighborhood Compatibility: Properties must maintain residential character and minimize community disruption

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Redlands Primary Contacts

Redlands City Hall

Phone: (909) 798-7500
Website: www.redlands.gov
Address: 35 Cajon Street, Redlands, CA 92373

Business Licensing Division

Phone: (909) 798-7536
Email: business@redlands.gov
Function: Business license applications and renewals

Planning Department

Phone: (909) 798-7555
Email: planning@redlands.gov
Function: Zoning verification and land use questions

Transient Occupancy Tax Collection

Redlands Finance Department

Phone: (909) 798-7544
Email: finance@redlands.gov
Function: TOT registration, collections, and compliance

Code Enforcement

Redlands Code Enforcement

Phone: (909) 798-7599
Function: Violation reporting and enforcement actions

Source Links and Additional Resources

Official Government Sources

City of Redlands Official Website - Primary municipal information
Redlands Municipal Code - Complete city ordinances
California Department of Consumer Affairs - State regulatory guidance

San Bernardino County (For Reference - Does Not Apply to Redlands)

San Bernardino County STR Program - County regulations (unincorporated areas only)
SBC County Tax Collector - TOT collection for unincorporated areas

Industry Resources

California Association of Realtors STR Guidelines - Industry best practices
Airbnb Host Resources - Platform-specific guidance and compliance tools

Legal and Tax Resources

California Franchise Tax Board - State tax obligations
IRS Small Business Tax Guide - Federal tax requirements
California Secretary of State Business Portal - Business entity formation

Important Note: This guide reflects information current as of 2025. Regulations can change rapidly, and investors should verify current requirements with city authorities before making investment decisions or commencing operations. Consider consulting with local legal and tax professionals familiar with Redlands' specific requirements to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Redlands

Redlands is a historic city nestled in San Bernardino County in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, with a population of roughly 70,000 residents. Often called the "City of Beautiful Homes" and the "Jewel of the Inland Empire," Redlands is known for its preserved Victorian-era architecture, tree-lined streets, citrus-growing heritage, and a walkable downtown anchored by the University of Redlands. The city serves as a gateway to the San Bernardino Mountains and a convenient inland alternative to the busier coastal and desert destinations. It sits about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, roughly 10 miles east of San Bernardino, and approximately 12 miles northeast of Riverside, placing it within easy reach of Southern California's major metropolitan corridors.

The heart of the city's appeal is its downtown historic district, a walkable stretch of State Street and surrounding blocks that feature restored early-twentieth-century buildings, locally owned restaurants, antique shops, and the iconic A.K. Smiley Public Library, a Mission Revival landmark dating to 1898. Just a few minutes from the city center, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine houses one of the West Coast's most significant collections of Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia, housed in a small Romanesque-style museum. The shrine, along with the adjacent Smiley Park, offers visitors a compact cultural stop within walking distance of downtown.

A short drive north of Redlands, about 20 minutes, brings visitors to the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, a sprawling mountain preserve that includes scenic drives, picnic areas, and hiking trails through pine and oak woodlands. From the city's doorstep, travelers can reach higher-elevation destinations such as Big Bear Lake in roughly 90 minutes, where skiing, boating, and lakeside recreation await in the warmer months. The forest and its surrounding communities provide a year-round outdoor complement to Redlands' lowland charm.

Southeast of the city, about 25 minutes by car, the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands' neighbor town of Bloomington offers exhibits on regional history, Native American heritage, and the natural sciences of Southern California. Closer to home, the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, a French-château-style Victorian mansion built in 1897, opens to the public for seasonal tours and provides a glimpse of the wealth generated by the area's late-nineteenth-century citrus industry.

Redlands makes a compelling base for short-term rental owners because it pairs small-city livability with strong regional connectivity. Guests can spend the morning exploring the historic downtown, the afternoon hiking in the nearby national forest, and the evening dining along State Street, all while remaining within a comfortable drive of Los Angeles, Palm Springs, the mountain resorts, and the broader Inland Empire. Its balance of heritage architecture, university-town energy, and access to both desert and mountain recreation gives it year-round appeal for leisure travelers, university visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.