Palm Springs vs Washington DC
California Legal but Limited | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Palm Springs or Washington DC?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or Washington DC?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.