Rental Arbitrage in San Francisco, CA
Only in your own home. San Francisco registers short-term rentals only for permanent residents who live in the unit at least 275 nights a year, and stays without the host present are generally capped at 90 nights a year. Tenants can register, but can't charge more in short-term rent than their own rent. Read the rules and sources.
- Average daily rate
- $233.20
- Occupancy
- 74%
- Annual revenue potential
- $49,700
Short-Term Arbitrage Isn't an Option Here
San Francisco, CA licenses short-term rentals only in the host's own primary residence, so leasing a separate unit to rent it out to guests isn't possible. That is why this page shows no rent ceiling or short-term calculator. If the lease and building allow furnished stays of 30 days or more, try the mid-term rental calculator.
The San Francisco, CA Market
San Francisco's AirDNA market averaged a $233.20 daily rate at 74% occupancy over the last 12 months, about 22.5 booked nights and $5,900 of booking income a month.
The city only registers short-term rentals for permanent residents who live in the unit at least 275 nights a year, and stays without the host present are generally capped at 90 nights a year. Tenants who rent out their own home can't charge more than their rent. Leasing a unit to rent it out to guests isn't possible here; furnished stays of 30 days or more are the realistic option if your lease and building allow them.
Risks to Weigh
- Registration only for permanent residents living in the unit 275 nights a year
- Unhosted stays generally capped at 90 nights a year
- Tenants can't earn more from short stays than their rent
- Listings must show a valid registration number
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Do Rental Arbitrage in San Francisco?
- No. Only a permanent resident can register their own home, with unhosted stays generally capped at 90 nights a year.
- How Busy Is the San Francisco Short-Term Rental Market?
- AirDNA's San Francisco market averaged a $233.20 daily rate at 74% occupancy over the last 12 months, with annual revenue of about $49,700 for an average listing.
- Can a Tenant Rent Out Their Own San Francisco Apartment?
- Yes, as a permanent resident who lives there at least 275 nights a year, but a tenant can't charge more in short-term rent than their own monthly rent.
- What Does Registration Cost?
- A $925 application fee, valid for two years, plus a Business Registration Certificate.
- What Can I Do Instead of Short Stays?
- Furnished rentals of 30 days or more, if the lease and building allow them. The mid-term rental calculator compares that against a short-term estimate.