What’s the latest on Vacation Rentals in South Lake Tahoe-as of 7/13/26
As of today, 7/13/2026 there are 575 vacation rental permits issued in the city of South Lake Tahoe. There is a cap of 900 -this means the city will only allow 900 permits for short term rentals in the city limits. This doesn’t include permits in the county -just outside of the city limits. This also doesn’t include the tourist core-the area around the casinos and some other exceptions.
The city is processing around 20 permits a week.
It is a process to complete the permit and the key is to have your application filled out correctly prior to submitting it if not it can delay the process. Use the application as a checklist prior to submitting it. One key thing to know is that the city will not issue you a vacation rental permit if the house has ever had a violation against it. Most folks that I speak with feel that the violations should stay with the individual and not the property, who knows maybe the city will change these rules someday. It is also very difficult to research if a property has had a prior violation. Unfortunately the city has not kept the best records. Currently Ashley Galdi is the point of contact for the permit applications. agaldi@cityofslt.gov
You Must be the Owner of the House to File for a Permit
If you are considering purchasing a home in South Lake and want to get a vacation rental permit you must own the house prior to completing the application. I just listed a house and it closed in 25 days so this is very doable. The important thing to remember is the 900 cap could be met at any time. Once it is met the city isn’t sure yet if they will have a wait list.
Tot Tax and misc. items.
The city TOT is 14% + $5 a day and the county TOT is 12%. The fees for the permit range from $670 a year for 1-4 people to $3485 a year for larger houses that sleep 13+ people. Full time residents can also do hosted rentals-rent out a room in your house on a short term basis and no limit on the amount of days per year but must pay TOT. The county has its own set of rules but the main one is no new rentals within 500 feet of another one.
For more information and to help guide YOU through the process please contact me at Jennifer Fortune, 530-318-9286 jfortune@chaseinternational.com