On May 15, 2023, the State of California will have a committee hearing on the adoption of a 15% tax on all Short-Term Rentals and intends to use those funds to help with the homeless crisis. As far as we can tell, visitors would have to pay this ABOVE the current TOT tax (12%) that you are now having to pay, which is the TOTAL of 27% total Tax charge added to your bill. (I guess someone had to pay for the homeless, right?)
Here is a link to the legislation called SB-584:
SB-584 Laborforce housing: Short-Term Rental Tax Law
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR HOSTS
For many who are hosting short-term rentals, this is our path to affordable housing in this very expensive State.
Some hosts use these homes as a means to contribute to retirement, and some of us are sending kids to college with the money that is earned.
Some of us share our homes with guests when we travel, renting out the whole house to families who need safe, affordable places to stay.
The American West was built on Boarding and Rooming Houses throughout our history.
JOBS AND THE ECONOMY
Our Short-Term Rentals bring jobs and revenue to people and small businesses in our community such as handymen, cleaning services, local restaurants, wineries, and more.
We refer guests to restaurants, cafés, wine bars, gift shops, bookstores, wineries, and other small businesses in our community. Affordable lodging enables them to spend more $$ in the economy.
We pay plumbers, electricians, gardeners, painters, housekeepers, and other trades at full living wages, in many cases more than hotels do.
FEES AND OTHER BURDENS
Cities and Counties across California have in the last few years instituted HEAVY FEES for inspections and placed costly burdens in our way by requiring housing plans, site plans, and other costly obstacles to operate.
Airbnb has created a mechanism (link below) for you to share your story with our state Legislators. Please take 5 minutes to tell your story:
AIRBNB LINK TO SHARE YOUR STORY
Additionally, if you can write to your State Representatives and Senators for Sonoma County, they can be found by inputting your property street address in the link below:
This is an ongoing battle but if you travel using short-term rentals, you will be affected - at least in the state of California.