# Airbnb Management San Diego: Self-Manage Your Rental Source: https://bnbgenius.ai/short-term-rental-management-san-diego-self-manage/ Author: Kent Morgan · Published: 2026-10-23 · Updated: 2026-11-12 Airbnb management in San Diego is something you can self-manage. You handle City licensing and taxes, including the Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT); BnBGenius [answers guest messages on Airbnb and Vrbo 24/7](https://bnbgenius.ai/airbnb-automated-messages/); your person on site does physical cleaning and repairs. Your first 500 messages are free, with all features and no card; after that it is $10 a month per unit (each listing you connect). [Start for Free](https://my.bnbgenius.ai/sign-up) ![Two adults sitting at a dining table indoors, each using a smartphone](https://bnbgenius.ai/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/san-diego-phone.webp) Two people check rental details on their phones at a dining table. ## Airbnb Management in San Diego: How You Self-Manage with BnBGenius When you manage your own Airbnb, divide the work among you, BnBGenius, and your person on site. | The work | Who does it | | --- | --- | | Guest messages on Airbnb and Vrbo | BnBGenius [answers guest messages on Airbnb and Vrbo 24/7](https://bnbgenius.ai/vrbo-automated-messages/) | | Cleaning and repairs after checkout | BnBGenius [creates cleaning and repair tasks after checkout](https://bnbgenius.ai/tasks/); your person on site does the work | | Guest reviews | BnBGenius [requests a review from the guest and publishes the host's review](https://bnbgenius.ai/reviews/) | | Guest calls | [Voice Concierge, an add-on,](https://bnbgenius.ai/voice/) answers guest calls with a voice AI agent | | Extra nights and flexible times | BnBGenius [sells gap nights, early check-in and late checkout](https://bnbgenius.ai/upsells/) | | Prices and calendar | You: BnBGenius is not a pricing tool or a channel manager | | San Diego permit, renewal, taxes and local contact | You: BnBGenius does not issue permits; permit and city duties remain yours | BnBGenius installs as a Chrome extension in about 5 minutes, with no API keys and no passwords shared. BnBGenius [is run from Telegram](https://bnbgenius.ai/telegram/). The City of San Diego requires an STRO license for a dwelling unit, or part of one, rented for less than one month within the city ([License requirement](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). A designated local contact is responsible for actively discouraging and preventing nuisance activity, and the host or contact must respond to all reported complaints in person or by telephone within one hour and take action to resolve them ([Local contact and complaint response](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). All advertisements must include the TOT Certificate number and STRO license number ([Advertisement numbers under code](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Software does not take on your city duties. ## A Week of Self-Managing Your Airbnb in San Diego These steps help you organize Airbnb management in San Diego. They are practical steps, not city filing dates. 1. **Before choosing a tier:** Confirm that the home is in the incorporated City of San Diego. The STRO license rule covers a dwelling unit, or part of one, rented for less than one month within the city ([License requirement](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Whole-home rentals for more than 20 days per calendar year use Tier Three outside the Mission Beach Community Planning Area (CPA) or Tier Four inside it ([Tier Three scope](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)) ([Tier Four scope](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). See the FAQ for the home-share tiers and their conditions. 2. **Before application and listing:** Have an active TOT Certificate and an active, paid Rental Unit Business Tax (RUBT) account before submitting an STRO license application ([Active pre-application accounts](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)) ([RUBT pre-application account](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). 3. **Before arrival:** Put the TOT Certificate number and STRO license number on every advertisement ([Advertisement numbers under code](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Post an exterior notice where it is visible from the sidewalk or public right-of-way, whichever is closer. The notice must show both numbers and contact information and a phone number for the host or local contact and for City Code Enforcement. Keep it in good condition while the home operates for STRO ([Exterior notice contents and format](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The notice must be 8.5 by 11 inches, with all-capital letters in black, bold type at least 20 points ([Exterior notice contents and format](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Give every guest a Good Neighbor Policy notice ([Good Neighbor Policy](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)), and post human trafficking reporting guidance in a conspicuous place inside the home ([Inside human trafficking notice](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). 4. **During the stay:** Arrange for the designated local contact and complaint response before guests arrive ([Local contact and complaint response](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The checklist below explains the city response duty. Guest phone help from the table is a separate service. 5. **Checkout and records:** Your person on site does the physical cleaning and repairs after checkout. Keep records of exact guest-stay dates, nights booked by reporting period, and gross receipts for four years from the date of each transaction ([STRO transaction records](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). 6. **Month and quarter:** Collect TOT from guests, hold it in trust, and remit it to the City Treasurer monthly ([TOT collection and monthly remittance](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). Payment is due no later than the last day of the following month ([Monthly remittance due date](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). Tier Three and Tier Four hosts also submit quarterly reports to the STRO Program; Tier One and Tier Two hosts are not required to submit those reports ([Quarterly reporting tiers](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). 7. **Contact changes and renewal:** Notify the Office of the City Treasurer about changes to contact information for both the host and local contact within 30 days of the change ([Contact detail changes](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). The city emails a renewal notice 60 days before the license expires ([Renewal email notice](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Failure to renew by the license’s expiration date means the license expires ([Expired licenses and reapplication](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/renewal-process-information-guide_final.pdf)). This order can also help you plan vacation rental management in San Diego, from selecting a license tier to keeping records. ![Laptop, papers, and a pen arranged on a tidy desk](https://bnbgenius.ai/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/san-diego-forms.webp) A host works through rental paperwork at an organized desk. ## San Diego Short-Term Rental Permit and Rules: Your Checklist The San Diego short-term rental permit is the city’s STRO license for a dwelling unit, or part of one, rented for less than one month within the City of San Diego ([License requirement](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Use this checklist to review the city’s requirements before listing. - **City scope:** In the City, an STRO license is needed for a dwelling unit, or part of one, rented for less than one month ([License requirement](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The rule covers all base zones ([Where city STRO ordinance applies](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - **Tier and location:** For whole-home rentals totaling over 20 days per calendar year, Tier Three applies outside the Mission Beach CPA ([Tier Three scope](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Inside the CPA, Tier Four applies to those rentals ([Tier Four scope](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). - **Capacity and status:** Tier Three is capped at 1 percent of total housing units in the City of San Diego, excluding units in the Mission Beach CPA. Tier Four is capped at 30 percent of total housing units in the Mission Beach CPA. SANDAG means San Diego Association of Governments. Both caps use the most recent Demographic and Socioeconomic Housing estimates from SANDAG. The caps round up to the next whole number ([Tier Three cap housing-unit denominator](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)) ([Tier Four cap housing-unit denominator](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The City STRO page lists Tier 1, 2, and 3 application periods as open. The Tier 4 (Whole Home Mission Beach) application period is closed ([Application status](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - **Host and application:** The host must be at least 18 years old when applying ([Minimum host age July 2026](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/clarifying-stro-license-requirements_1.pdf)). Before applying, the host needs an active TOT Certificate and an active, paid RUBT account ([Active pre-application accounts](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)) ([RUBT pre-application account](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). A non-owner host must provide a right-to-occupy document and a Business Tax Certificate ([Non-owner host documents](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/clarifying-stro-license-requirements_1.pdf)). - **Fees and term:** See the costs section for separate application and license fees by tier ([License fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Fees are non-refundable, and a license expires two years from its date of issuance ([Two-year term and non-refundable fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The city emails a renewal notice 60 days before expiry ([Renewal email notice](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The license expires if it is not renewed by its expiration date ([Expired licenses and reapplication](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/renewal-process-information-guide_final.pdf)). - **Ads and one host:** Every advertisement must include the TOT Certificate number and STRO license number ([Advertisement numbers under code](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). A host may hold one STRO license and operate one dwelling unit for STRO at a time ([One license rule](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The license cannot transfer between ownership or location/dwelling unit ([One license rule](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - **Guest and exterior notices:** See step 3 for the exterior notice rules ([Exterior notice contents and format](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Give every guest a Good Neighbor Policy notice ([Good Neighbor Policy](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). Post human trafficking reporting guidance where guests can easily see it inside the home ([Inside human trafficking notice](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - **Local contact:** The host must designate a local contact. The contact must actively discourage and prevent any nuisance activity at the premises. For all reported complaints, the host or local contact must respond in person or by telephone within one hour. The person who responds must act so each reported complaint is resolved ([Local contact and complaint response](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). - **Tier Three and Four operation:** For Tier Three and Tier Four licenses, use the license at least 90 days each year, and ensure each guest has occupancy for at least two consecutive nights ([Tier 3 and 4 operation](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). These tiers must also submit quarterly reports. Tier One and Tier Two hosts are not required to submit those reports ([Quarterly reporting tiers](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). - **Records and training:** Keep records of exact guest-stay dates, nights booked by reporting period, and gross receipts for four years from the transaction date ([STRO transaction records](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). Complete the human trafficking awareness course before the initial listing. Keep proof for as long as you hold the license ([Training proof before initial listing](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). > _"Respond (or ensure that the designated local contact responds) to complainants in person or by telephone within one (1) hour for all report complaints and take action to resolve the matter."_ > > Source: [Local response](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf) What this means for you: You must respond or ensure the contact responds within one hour. Respond in person or by phone, and take action to resolve each complaint. > _"For Tier 3 and 4 licenses, use the license a minimum of 90 days each year and ensure each guest has occupancy for a minimum of two (2) consecutive nights."_ > > Source: [Tier 3 and 4 operation](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf) What this means for you: Tier Three and Tier Four hosts must use the license at least 90 days each year. They must ensure each guest stays at least two consecutive nights. Read the [full city STRO ordinance](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf). ## San Diego Airbnb Taxes If your property is in the City of San Diego and is rented for less than one month per guest stay, you must obtain a TOT Certificate and collect and remit TOT ([TOT registration and tax duty](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Effective May 1, 2025, the City’s TOT rates are 11.75% in Tax Zone 1, 12.75% in Tax Zone 2, and 13.75% in Tax Zone 3 ([TOT zone rates](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). The tax zones relate to the lodging facility’s proximity to the Convention Center ([Tax zones](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/2025-3-20-city-of-san-diego-hotel-room-tax-to-increase-starting-may-1.pdf)). TOT is calculated as a percentage of Rent ([TOT calculation and TMD scope](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). The 2% Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessment also applies to a lodging business with 70 or more rooms, and is calculated as a percentage of Rent ([TOT zone rates](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)) ([TOT calculation and TMD scope](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). The City requires operators to collect TOT, hold it in trust, and remit it monthly ([TOT collection and monthly remittance](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). Remittance is due no later than the last day of the following month ([Monthly remittance due date](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). Property owners who rent all or part of their property for more than six days in a calendar year are responsible for remitting Rental Unit Business Tax to the City of San Diego ([Rental Unit Business Tax scope](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). ## What Airbnb Management in San Diego Costs When You Self-Manage The City lists an application fee and a license fee as separate charges for each tier: - Tier One: $33 application fee and $193 license fee ([License fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - Tier Two: $33 application fee and $284 license fee ([License fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - Tier Three: $41 application fee and $1,129 license fee ([License fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). - Tier Four: $41 application fee and $1,129 license fee ([License fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Tier Four Whole Home Mission Beach applications are currently closed ([Application status](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Renewal fees are also separate application and license fees. Tier One is $33 and $193; Tier Two is $33 and $284; Tier Three is $41 and $1,129; Tier Four is $41 and $1,129 ([Renewal fees effective March 2025](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). All fees are non-refundable, and licenses expire two years from issuance ([Two-year term and non-refundable fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). A TOT Certificate has no cost and is separate from the STRO license ([TOT certificate fee](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Other local charges include Rental Unit Business Tax for owners who rent all or part of a property for more than six days in a calendar year ([Rental Unit Business Tax scope](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). TOT is a percentage of Rent, and its rate depends on the property’s tax zone ([TOT zone rates](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)) ([TOT calculation and TMD scope](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). TOT remittance is monthly and due by the last day of the following month ([Monthly remittance due date](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). These taxes are separate from the STRO application and license fees. Your first 500 messages are free, with all features and no card; after that it is $10 a month per unit (each listing you connect). Voice Concierge is $30/month. It includes 20 resolved calls each month, then $0.35 per resolved call. Physical cleaning and repairs are work for your person on site, separate from the software subscription. If you consider a management company, ask it directly for its fee. ## San Diego Airbnb FAQ for Self-Managing Owners **Can I manage my own Airbnb?** Yes. The City requires an STRO license for a qualifying rental, and a host may hold only one license and operate only one dwelling unit for STRO at a time ([License requirement](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)) ([One license rule](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The host or designated local contact must respond to complaints under the city rule, and the host must ensure that the contact responds when the host does not ([Local contact and complaint response](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)) ([Local response](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). Operating an STRO without a license on or after May 1, 2023, is a violation and will likely result in regulatory actions. It will jeopardize a host’s ability to obtain an STRO license in the future ([Unlicensed operation](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). **Do I need a San Diego short-term rental permit?** The City requires an STRO license for a dwelling unit, or part of one, rented for less than one month within the City of San Diego ([License requirement](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). If the property is in the city and is rented for less than one month per guest stay, the owner must also obtain a TOT Certificate and collect and remit TOT ([TOT registration and tax duty](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). **Which tier covers home sharing?** Tier One covers home share or whole-home occupancy for an aggregate total of 20 days or less per calendar year. Tier One home share is allowed only in the host’s primary residence, and only one Tier One license may be issued for a dwelling unit per calendar year ([Tier One complete requirements](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Tier Two covers home-share occupancy for more than 20 days per calendar year and is allowed only in the host’s primary residence ([Tier Two complete residence requirements](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The host must occupy that residence for at least 275 days in the calendar year it is rented; if the host did not rent or own the dwelling for the full preceding calendar year, the host must occupy it for at least 75% of the days they held it ([Tier Two complete residence requirements](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). **What changes in Mission Beach?** For a whole home rented more than 20 days per calendar year, the Mission Beach CPA boundary determines whether Tier Three applies outside or Tier Four applies inside ([Tier Three scope](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)) ([Tier Four scope](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The Tier Three cap is 1 percent of the total housing units in the City of San Diego, excluding housing units in the Mission Beach CPA; the Tier Four cap is 30 percent of the total housing units in the CPA. Both caps use the most recent Demographic and Socioeconomic Housing estimates from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and round up to the next whole number ([Tier Three cap housing-unit denominator](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)) ([Tier Four cap housing-unit denominator](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The City STRO page, checked on 11 November 2026, lists the application period for Tier 1, 2 and 3 as open and the application period for Tier 4 (Whole Home Mission Beach) as closed ([Application status](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The 90-day use rule and two-consecutive-night stay rule apply to Tier Three and Tier Four licenses ([Tier 3 and 4 operation](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). **What does the license cost?** The City lists separate application and license fees for all four tiers; the costs section gives each pair ([License fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The same listed amounts apply as separate renewal application and license fees ([Renewal fees effective March 2025](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). The fees are non-refundable, and the license expires two years from issuance ([Two-year term and non-refundable fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). A TOT Certificate has no cost, but it is not the STRO license ([TOT certificate fee](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). **Can a non-owner be the host?** The host must be at least 18 years old when submitting the STRO license application ([Minimum host age July 2026](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/clarifying-stro-license-requirements_1.pdf)). A host who is not the owner must provide a right-to-occupy document showing the legal right to occupy the home and allow short-term residential occupancy, as part of the application and renewal requirements ([Non-owner host documents](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/clarifying-stro-license-requirements_1.pdf)). A non-owner host must also obtain and provide a Business Tax Certificate as part of the STRO license application ([Non-owner host documents](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/clarifying-stro-license-requirements_1.pdf)). The one-license and one-dwelling limit for a host still applies ([One license rule](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). **Does the local contact have to visit every complaint?** No. The host or designated local contact may respond in person or by telephone, within one hour for all reported complaints, and must take action to resolve the matter ([Local contact and complaint response](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). The designated contact is also responsible for actively discouraging and preventing nuisance activity at the premises ([Local contact and complaint response](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Guest phone support is not the same as this city complaint duty. **What do ads and guests need?** All advertisements must show the TOT Certificate number and STRO license number ([Advertisement numbers under code](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). See step 3 and the checklist for the exterior notice requirements ([Exterior notice contents and format](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Give every guest a Good Neighbor Policy notice and post human trafficking reporting guidance conspicuously inside the home ([Good Neighbor Policy](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)) ([Inside human trafficking notice](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). **When do I renew, and what if it expires?** A license expires two years from issuance, and the City emails a renewal notice 60 days before the expiration date ([Two-year term and non-refundable fees](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)) ([Renewal email notice](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). Renewal requires timely payment, compliance with the Division during the license term, information about changes to the prior application or renewal, and the required records. The records requirement does not apply if the host lists exclusively on a hosting platform with a City agreement that includes pass-through registration ([Renewal conditions and revocation restriction](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)). Renewal is not allowed if a revocation action is in progress or was taken within 12 months before the renewal request; after expiry, the host must reapply, pending license availability ([Renewal conditions and revocation restriction](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art10Division01.pdf)) ([Expired licenses and reapplication](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/renewal-process-information-guide_final.pdf)). **Which taxes and reports do I handle?** The City requires a TOT Certificate and collection and remittance of TOT for a qualifying rental ([TOT registration and tax duty](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/short-term-residential-occupancy)). TOT is a percentage of Rent, with the rate based on the tax zone ([TOT zone rates](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)) ([TOT calculation and TMD scope](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). Monthly remittance is due by the last day of the following month ([Monthly remittance due date](https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/tot)). Quarterly STRO reports apply to Tier Three and Tier Four; Tier One and Tier Two hosts are not required to submit those reports ([Quarterly reporting tiers](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/stro-host-operating-requirements.pdf)). ## Airbnb Property Management in San Diego: Self-Manage or Hire a Company Airbnb property management in San Diego means choosing whether to handle the city duties and on-site coordination yourself or ask a management company to do the work. ### Do it yourself with BnBGenius BnBGenius installs as a Chrome extension in about 5 minutes, without API keys, without password sharing, no PMS required, and is run from Telegram. The first 500 messages are free, with all features and no card. Current pricing is on the [Pricing](https://bnbgenius.ai/pricing/) page. [Start for Free](https://my.bnbgenius.ai/sign-up) ### Have a management company do it One Fine BnB, a management company, can do the whole job for you. [Get Full-Service Management](https://onefinebnb.com/?utm_source=bnbgenius&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=owner-pages) ### More City Guides - [Airbnb rules in Carlsbad, CA](https://bnbgenius.ai/short-term-rental-rules-carlsbad/) - [Airbnb rules in Oceanside, CA](https://bnbgenius.ai/short-term-rental-rules-oceanside/) - [Airbnb rules in Dana Point, CA](https://bnbgenius.ai/short-term-rental-rules-dana-point/) - [Airbnb rules in Laguna Beach, CA](https://bnbgenius.ai/short-term-rental-rules-laguna-beach/) Rules and rates last checked on 11 November 2026.