Airbnb & VRBO Performance in San Bernardino California.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Bernardino, California for 2024

Permit Requirements

• Permit Necessity: Short-term rentals in San Bernardino County, particularly in the mountain and desert areas, require a Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit.
• Application Process: Apply online through the county's EZ Online Permitting Portal, paying an initial application fee of $667.
• Renewal: Permits must be renewed annually with a $600 renewal fee and re-inspection.

Operational Standards

• Occupancy Limits: Restrictions on the maximum number of occupants and vehicles allowed per rental, up to a maximum of 12 guests.
• 24-Hour Contact: Property owners or managers must provide a 24-hour contact number for handling complaints and must arrive within 1 hour to resolve issues.
• Compliance with Codes: Compliance with relevant Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes.

Compliance and Enforcement

• Exterior Inspection: An exterior inspection by a Code Enforcement Officer to verify compliance with parking capacity and other rental standards.
• Interior Self-Inspection: Completion of an interior self-inspection checklist and submission of the Owner Acknowledgement form.
• Fines and Penalties: Operating without a permit can result in fines of up to $1,000 per day. Violations can lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Tax Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax: Collection of a 7% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests and remittance to the county. Hosts need to apply for a Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Certificate.

Additional Requirements

• Permit Number Display: The issued permit number must be included in all short-term rental listings, such as on Airbnb.
• Good Neighbor Brochure: Posting of the "Good Neighbor" brochure, provided by the county, inside the rental unit.
• Notification of Changes: Notification to the county of any changes to approved occupancy, parking, or contact information.

Complaint Handling

• 24/7 Complaint Line: Residents can report violations through a 24/7 complaint line. Code enforcement officers may issue fines or penalties for validated complaints.

Local and State Considerations

• County vs. City Ordinances: Different regulations may apply in incorporated cities within San Bernardino County. Hosts must consult the local planning department for specific city rules.

Enforcement and Compliance

• Strict Enforcement: San Bernardino County strictly enforces short-term rental regulations, including proactive identification of unpermitted STRs and significant fines for violations.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in San Bernardino, California

1. San Jacinto Peak

• Average Revenue: $47.7K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $195 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Appeal: San Jacinto Peak offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and proximity to urban amenities. The area's rugged, scenic landscape and high occupancy rate make it an attractive location for guests seeking both adventure and convenience.

2. Del Rosa

• Average Revenue: $46.3K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $253.5 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 50%
• Appeal: Del Rosa is appealing due to its urban convenience and natural charm. It is situated close to downtown San Bernardino, providing easy access to major thoroughfares, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The neighborhood's historic homes and nearby natural attractions like the San Bernardino National Forest add to its charm.

3. West Side

• Average Revenue: $44.1K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $257.4 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 47.6% (corrected from the misleading 121.8% in the source)
• Appeal: The West Side neighborhood offers affordability, convenience, and potential for real estate investors. Its proximity to major transportation routes and diverse local attractions makes it an attractive location for launching a short-term rental in the Inland Empire region.

4. Verdemont

• Average Revenue: $36.6K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $233.3 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 43%
• Appeal: Verdemont is nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, offering suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities. The area's potential for growth, affordability, and access to natural attractions and educational institutions make it appealing for families and young professionals.

These neighborhoods stand out due to their unique combinations of natural beauty, urban convenience, and potential for real estate growth, making them highly appealing for both investors and guests.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in San Bernardino, California

1. Utilize Vertical Elements

To make your Airbnb listing stand out, incorporate vertical elements such as painting the ceiling, using wallpaper, or installing a chandelier or mural. This adds interest to the space and enhances the photos, which is crucial for attracting bookings.

2. Optimize Small Spaces

For smaller Airbnb units, especially those with short stays, consider using a combination of a 4ft plant and a standup mirror instead of a dresser. This not only saves money but also adds aesthetic value and sufficient storage through the closet.

3. Add Decorative Touches on a Budget

Use vintage books and small knick-knacks instead of expensive sculptures to add pops of color and interest to your space. This approach is budget-friendly and can make your Airbnb more appealing in photos.

4. Choose Cost-Effective Sleeping Solutions

Instead of a sleeper sofa, consider using rollaway beds for additional sleeping capacity. This can save you a significant amount of money without compromising on guest comfort.

5. DIY and Self-Installation

Save on launch costs by painting your own walls, installing your own wallpaper, and putting up your own chandeliers or plant walls. This DIY approach can help you set up more Airbnbs with less initial investment.

6. Reflect Local Style and Amenities

Incorporate elements that reflect the unique style of San Bernardino, such as emphasizing outdoor spaces, fast WiFi, and amenities like BBQ grills and air conditioning, which are popular in the area.

7. Ensure Safety and Cleanliness

Make sure your rental unit is safe, clean, and well-maintained. Install necessary safety features like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits. Provide essential amenities such as linens, kitchenware, and toiletries.

8. Create a Welcoming Guest Experience

Focus on exceptional customer service by providing welcome baskets, personalized notes, or local treats. Respond promptly to guest inquiries and address any issues quickly and professionally.

9. Comply with Local Regulations

Obtain the necessary Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit and comply with San Bernardino County's regulations, including health and safety standards, noise monitoring, and transient occupancy tax requirements.

10. Balance Budget and Quality

While staying within your budget, choose your battles and splurge on statement pieces that will make the biggest impact, such as a quality living room sofa or a stylish coffee table. Avoid overly cheap items that can make the space look less appealing.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in San Bernardino, California

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in San Bernardino, California, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to avoid complaints and potential fines. Include a section in your digital and physical house manual outlining the quiet hours and the importance of respecting the neighborhood.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important information. This manual should be easily accessible and cover all aspects of the property, such as appliance usage, trash disposal, and emergency contact numbers.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide clear instructions on how to use the smart locks and ensure that guests receive all necessary access codes in advance.

Parking Instructions

Include detailed parking instructions with photos in your house manual to help guests understand where and how to park. This can prevent parking issues and reduce the likelihood of complaints from neighbors.

By following these tips, you can enhance the guest experience, reduce potential issues, and maintain compliance with San Bernardino County's short-term rental regulations.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in San Bernardino, California:

House Cleaning Services

MaidPro

• Offers weekly, bi-weekly, or one-time house cleaning services, including move-out cleanings.

Molly Maid of La Verne

• Provides professional cleaning services, including home cleaning, move-out cleaning, recurring cleaning, and special event cleaning. They also offer eco-friendly cleaning options and free in-home estimates.

Aloha Maids

• A house cleaning referral agency offering weekly, bi-weekly, or one-time housekeeping services in the San Bernardino area.

Campos Cleaning Services

• Highly recommended for professional and detailed cleaning services. Known for being responsive, attentive, and respectful.

For more detailed information and additional providers, you can also refer to listings on Care.com and Angie's List.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in San Bernardino, California: A Range of 10%-30% of Rental Revenue

In San Bernardino, California, the fees for managing short-term rentals can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often approaching 20%-30% of the rental income. In contrast, basic services that may only include listing and booking management might be less expensive, falling around the 10%-15% mark. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements, which can further impact the overall cost of short-term rental management.