Quick answer
San Francisco requires the host to be a permanent resident of the unit and caps un-hosted STR at 90 nights/year. Registration with the Office of Short-Term Rentals is mandatory; building / HOA consent is also typically required.
Worst-case scenario
Non-resident investor STR is non-compliant — practical ceiling is hosted lets only.
How San Francisco's rules shape the market
There are currently 4,491 active short-term-rental listings operating in San Francisco (of 7,522 total). Median occupancy across those is 55%. The median nightly rate is £121. With the 90-night cap, that limits unlicensed annual revenue.
FAQ
Do I need a license to run an Airbnb in San Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco requires a license or permit to operate a short-term rental.
How many nights can I rent my Airbnb in San Francisco?
San Francisco caps short-term rentals at 90 nights per year for entire homes.
Beyond the rules
See San Francisco's income, occupancy, and neighborhood data
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Try HostPal free for 7 days →Source: https://sf.gov/topics/short-term-rentals · Last verified July 2026