Managed co-hosting · Santa Cruz

Airbnb co-hosting in Santa Cruz

Hosted stays only (city).

Short version: City of Santa Cruz: hosted permits only (owner lives there 6+ months a year); no new non-hosted permits; 250-permit cap, first come first served.

Hosted only, and capped

The City of Santa Cruz no longer issues new non-hosted short-term rental permits. A new permit is for a hosted rental: the owner lives at the property more than six months of the year. The city caps hosted permits at 250 and issues them first come, first served, so if you plan to host, apply early.

To apply you need a short-term rental permit and a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate, and you show three proofs of residency at the address. A property that has an accessory dwelling unit is not eligible.

Unincorporated Santa Cruz County is different

These rules are for the City of Santa Cruz. Homes in unincorporated Santa Cruz County or in the other cities of the county follow their own rules. Our estimate form asks for the jurisdiction, and we check it before quoting.

What managed looks like in Santa Cruz

Because you are living there for most of the year, a Santa Cruz managed home is usually rented in the months you are away, around summer beach demand and university events. We keep your residency documents on file for the permit, run the guest messages, cleaning and pricing, and send a statement by the 5th of each month with the taxable rent for your TOT filing.

Stays are capped at 30 nights. If your home has an ADU, or you do not live there six months a year, we will tell you plainly that the city permit is not available rather than take the listing.

Before you request an estimate

Have ready: the three proofs of residency at the address that the city asks for, your STR permit and TOT certificate numbers if you hold them, and the months you expect to be away. If you have not applied yet, apply soon: the permit count is capped and permits are issued first come, first served.

Our fee here

14% of gross booking revenue, all-inclusive, month-to-month, no onboarding fee. Cleaning and repairs at cost with receipts. Statement by the 5th. Full terms on the managed co-hosting page.

Sources (checked 6 October 2026)

• City of Santa Cruz: short-term rentals (OFFICIAL)

Rules change and this is not legal advice. We check the current rule for your address before we quote, and you hold the permit and the insurance in your name.

Other areas: every city we cover.