Renting out a room on Airbnb ain't what it used to be. In fact, now you have to do a little clearance first, thanks to our first-of-its-kind law passed last year by the Board of Supervisors which takes effect February 1. Airbnb hosts now need to prove that they are residents of the apartments or homes they rent for at least 275 days a year. The number of days hosts can rent while they aren't present is also limited to 90. Oh yeah, and the application.
Socketsite points us to further hoops to be jumped in the new registration process. That new application, which can be found here, will need to be filed in person by the permanent resident registering the unit. It will also only be accepted by appointment starting February 2nd.
In addition to the completed application (and proof of permanent residency), you'll need:
- A completed Short-Term Residential Rental Application (download application packet here)
- A Business Registration Certificate issued by the San Francisco Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office
- Driver’s License or State Issued ID Card issued at least 60 days prior to the short-term residential rental application date and valid for at least the next 6 months
- Proof of liability insurance in the amount of no less than $500,000
- A signed affidavit agreeing to abide by all conditions of the short-term residential rental ordinance included within the application (download application packet here).
- A check made out to the San Francisco Planning Department for $50.00
Then you'll need at least two of the following listed documents to confirm your primary residency at your residential unit:
- Proof of a Homeowner’s Tax Exemption. Accepted as a form of residency confirmation only if the proof of a Homeowner’s Tax Exemption is for a property that is either a single-family dwelling or condominium;
- Voter Registration Card or Certificate with the address on the application, issued at least 60 days prior to the short-term residential rental application date. You may obtain a copy through the San Francisco Department of Elections;
- Proof of Vehicle Registration with the address on the application, issued at least 60 days prior to the short-term residential rental application date;
- Proof of car insurance, showing address of registration, issued at least 60 days prior;
- Original utility bill, issued by a public utility or PG&E, at least 60 days prior to the short-term residential application date. Copies and printouts will not be accepted. You may only use utility bills as one form of residency confirmation. Cable, cell phone, and internet bills do not qualify.
After that, you're on the level. But the payoff can't be more than your rent, if you're a tenant. Per the law and on the application, "If you are a tenant, you may not make more than your monthly rent from your short-term rental fees charged to guests."
