Short-Term Rentals

A short-term rental is defined as any “dwelling unit, in whole or in part, rented for a period of twenty-seven consecutive calendar days or less, for transient dwelling, lodging, sleeping, or special event purposes, regardless of home-sharing or subletting arrangements.”

As of July 1, 2022, all short-term rental activity is prohibited throughout Rancho Mirage. Pursuant to Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Section 17.30.270(B): “Operation of short-term rentals is prohibited in every zone of the city. Operation of a short-term rental includes advertising, offering for rent, or agreeing to rent, a short-term rental, regardless of whether a person actually occupies the short-term rental.”

Any suspected short-term rental should be reported by calling:

Regular Business Hours: (760) 770-3220 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM)

Please be prepared to provide the address of the suspected property and any details that describe how the property may be operating as a short-term rental. A Code Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I list my property on AirBNB, VRBO, or any of the other popular platforms?

You can if you set the minimum stay to 28 days or more. Any listing for 27 days or less is considered short-term.

If I live in the house while renting out a room short-term, is that prohibited?

Yes. Any short-term rental of a dwelling unit, in whole or in part, is prohibited.

If I rent a house for 30 (long-term) days but sublet a room in the house for 3 (short-term) days, is that prohibited?

Yes. Any short-term rental of a dwelling unit, in whole or in part, is prohibited.

If I rent out a detached casita short-term, is that prohibited?

Yes. Any short-term rental of a dwelling unit, in whole or in part, is prohibited. A detached casita is considered part of the dwelling unit.

If I rent out just my pool for a few hours, is that prohibited?

Yes. Any short-term rental of a dwelling unit, in whole or in part, is prohibited. A pool is considered part of the dwelling unit.

I advertise my property short-term, but I reject any short-term booking requests, is that prohibited?

Yes. Any short-term advertisement, is prohibited, even if you reject or cancel the reservations. You are responsible for working with your listing provider to ensure your listing is adequately configured to accept long-term reservations only.

I advertise my property short-term, but have not actually rented or received any reservations, is that prohibited?

Yes. Any short-term advertisement, is prohibited, even if you have yet to actually rent the property short-term.

What is the penalty for operating an short-term rental?

Penalties typically start with a $5,000.00 citation to the owner of the property. However, citations can also be issued concurrently to the property manager, occupants, or other responsible person or authorized agent of the property. The fine escalates to $10,000.00 for each occurrence thereafter and the City may pursue other legal remedies such as property liens, civil injunctions, and criminal prosecution.

How do I view the municipal code language on this ordinance?

By clicking here.

I have a question not answered here, who should I speak to?

We recommend you submit all questions in writing by emailing code@ranchomirageca.gov. Code Compliance is responsible for the enforcement of the short-term rental ordinance as adopted.