This community workshop is designed for residents and property owners to learn more about the City's STR Registration Program and the requirements for operating a successful short-term rental. Please make sure to register by clicking here.
Property owners in Milpitas who wish to legally operate a hosted short-term rental (STR) in their home may now register with the City. This program offers Milpitas residents the opportunity to legally rent a room or other portion of their single-family residence or apartment for a short period (up to 30 consecutive days). STRs are also known as vacation rentals, transient rentals, or short-term vacation rentals and are commonly found through companies such as Airbnb™, HomeToGo™, Vrbo™, Tripping.com™, and other short-term rental websites.
The Milpitas STR Program establishes guidelines to protect the peace and safety of local neighborhoods while allowing property owners to open their homes to short-term visitors. STRs are required to pay the same local taxes as hotels to cover the costs of public services.
Following the growth of short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway in recent years, the Milpitas City Council adopted a new STR Ordinance in July 2020 to regulate the rent or lease of privately-owned residential units on a short-term basis. Key provisions of the Ordinance include:
- A host, such as an owner or tenant, to be present throughout a guest's stay. Un-hosted STRs are not allowed;
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may not be used as an STR;
- Annual registration with the City of Milpitas; and
- Adherence to the City’s "Good Neighbor Manual" regarding the general rules of conduct when operating an STR.
General information and registration materials for short-term rentals in the City of Milpitas are available on the City's STR Program webpage. For assistance with completing an application, property owners or operators may email shorttermrentals@ci.milpitas.ca.gov or call 562.570.6820.
