San Francisco 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.

San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
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.

Permits & Licensing

San Francisco charges $450 registration fee for STR licensing, while Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license. San Francisco renewal is every 2 years, and Washington DC renewal is every 2 years. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In San Francisco, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. In Washington DC, hosts pay 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Both cities impose annual day limits: San Francisco allows 90 nights/year, while Washington DC allows 90 nights/year.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in San Francisco face penalties including $1,000/day for illegal hosting. In Washington DC, violations can result in $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

San Francisco Overview

Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.

Contact: SF Office of Short-Term Rentals — (415) 575-9179

Full San Francisco 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.

Contact: DC DLCP Short-Term Rental Hotline — (202) 221-8550

Full Washington DC guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in San Francisco or Washington DC?
San Francisco is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." San Francisco's permit fee is $450 registration fee compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Francisco or Washington DC?
San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do San Francisco and Washington DC have day limits for Airbnb?
San Francisco limits STRs to 90 nights per year. Washington DC limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — San Francisco or Washington DC?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: San Francisco charges $450 registration fee for permits with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax in taxes. Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license with 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Automatic tax collection in San Francisco and Washington DC makes compliance easier for beginners.