Dreaming of a California getaway and considering a vacation rental in San Diego County? Here’s what you need to know to have a smooth experience, from the legal requirements hosts must follow, to the fees you might encounter, and what sets communities like La Jolla Shores apart in hospitality.
Simulated Rendering of La Jolla Shores beach near Kellogg Park/Pier Should be North
Legal Basics: Permits, Licenses, & Code Numbers
To operate a short-term vacation rental (typically stays of less than one month), property owners in San Diego County must follow strict regulations. Every city in the county—such as San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside—has its own specific requirements. Within the City of San Diego, which covers La Jolla Shores, hosts must obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) License: This is a legal permit required of all short-term rentals in San Diego. The city uses a four-tier system, based on how the property is used and its location (such as La Jolla Shores or Mission Beach).
Display of Am Authorized Permit License Number
Each permitted property receives a unique license number that must be clearly posted with the property. This ensures guests are booking lawfully. To illustrate La Jolla Shores Rentals, located on Avenida De La Playa (Beach Avenue) has been given the license number STR-03601L.
Annual Renewal of Licenses: Licenses typically need to be renewed each and each licensed short-term rental property is required to submit quarterly reports to the city. Failure to hold a valid permit can result in hefty fines, so reputable hosts always operate within this framework.
Taxes and Fees: What Guests Should Expect
City Fees: The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
All short-term rentals in San Diego must collect the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from guests. This tax, similar to what hotels charge, is based on the location of the property:
- The precise zone is determined by proximity to major attractions (such as the convention center). Most beach neighborhoods, including La Jolla Shores, will likely fall under either Zone 1 or Zone 2.
- This “hotel tax” will be itemized in your reservation, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
License and Permit Application Fees (for Owners)
Property owners pay annual fees for their operating licenses, which help fund city enforcement:
- Tier 1–2 (less than 20 days/year or home-sharing): Application and license fees are typically under $300/year.
- Tier 3–4 (whole-home rentals over 20 days/year): Owners pay over $1,000 per year for the permit in most city areas.
Cleaning Fees
Simulated Cleaning Service Personnel
Most vacation rentals in San Diego County charge a cleaning fee per stay, which covers professional cleaning and restocking between guests. As of 2025, typical cleaning fees are:
- 1-bedroom unit: $85–95
- 2-bedroom unit: $120–130
- 3-bedroom unit: $160–170
These fees are competitive with national averages and reflect the high demand for quality cleaning and turn service in tourist-heavy areas.
Booking Through Agencies: Additional Costs & Transparency
The explosion of booking platforms like Airbnb and VRBO has made vacation rentals much more accessible but this has also introduced some additional charges for both guests and owners.
Service Fees
Both Airbnb and VRBO charge service fees, usually 6–14% of the booking subtotal, directly to guests at checkout. You can forgo these fees by booking directly with the owner. In the case of “La Jolla Shores Rentals” (lajollashoresrentals.com) still only charges a fee of $100 cleaning though the average costs are double or more. They just don’t pass this cost onto guests. So direct booking with the host can save you a pretty penny on cleaning.
Owner Fees: Owners may pay platform commissions to VRBO or ABNB ranging from 3–17%, depending on the platform and agreement. These costs cover marketing, payment processing, and customer support. You can forgo these platform fees by calling the owner to direct book your family beach rental. To learn more call La Jolla Shores Rentals at 1-858-245-2446.
TOT Handling
In San Diego, Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect TOT from guests and remit it to the city, ensuring tax compliance.
Tip for Guests: These additional service fees are listed before you confirm your booking, but it helps to double-check total charges before finalizing a reservation.
The La Jolla Shores Difference: Clean, Comfortable, and Stylish
La Jolla Shores is renowned for its beautiful coastline and family-friendly vibe. Property owners in this area take extraordinary pride in providing exceptional guest experiences, striving to meet and exceed expectations for cleanliness, comfort, and style.
What Sets Hosts in La Jolla Shores Apart?
- Professional Cleaners: Nearly every reputable rental employs professional cleaners who follow checklists to ensure the home is spotless for each guest. Deep cleaning, laundry, linen changes, and restocking amenities are standard practices.
- High-Quality Amenities: Owners often invest in upgraded furniture, premium bedding, fully stocked kitchens, and décor that evokes a relaxed, upscale beach atmosphere.
- Attention to Detail: Many local hosts conduct regular maintenance inspections, safety checks, and even provide beach gear or local guides.
Responsive Support
Good neighbor policies and quick response times for guest needs are standard. La Jolla Shores owners understand that word-of-mouth and positive reviews are key to their business.
Guaranteeing a Five-Star Stay
Strict permitting by the city, plus the strong incentive for hosts to earn repeat customers, mean that vacation rentals in La Jolla Shores are consistently clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully equipped.
What to Look For & How to Book
When planning your San Diego vacation, ensure your rental is licensed and the permit number is listed in the property description. Booking platforms prominently display this information for properties in compliance. Don’t forget to look for a direct way to book a reservation by telephone or text. This is a great way to determine availability as well. Sometimes a negotiated week can be worked out with the owner if you are flexible. In addition, the owner may have new information on availability that hasn’t been posted yet.
Budget for Fees
Remember to account for TOT, cleaning fees, and booking service charges in your travel budget.
Ask Questions
If you have special needs or concerns, reach out to your host before booking—reputable owners are happy to answer and help tailor your experience. Owners can babyproof the space in advance and provide cribs, highchairs and more.
Read Reviews
Guest feedback is an excellent indicator of property quality and host responsiveness. VRBO and Air BNB both do an excellent job of listing reviews. With Google, not so much. Remember, Google may or may not prominently show reviews or star ratings. While the same beach vacation rental on VRBO may have 90 five-star ratings with a generous sum of information from previous guests. Moreover, the Book Now button on the independent website of a short-term vacation rental may lead you to a VRBO or Air BNB reviews catalog showing what people are saying in depth.
Why Choose a Licensed San Diego Vacation Rental?
Licensed rentals in San Diego are regulated, helping ensure your safety and recourse if issues arise.
Community Support
Your tax dollars contribute to city services—such as beach maintenance, lifeguards, and the housing initiatives that support a standard of excellent which includes a compliant host.
Superior Hospitality
Especially in places like La Jolla Shores, owner diligence translates into memorable vacations and lasting impressions.
In summary
All short-term rentals (less than one month) in San Diego County require strict compliance with local laws. In the City of San Diego—including La Jolla Shores—hosts must obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license, whether renting a room or a whole home. Each rental gets a unique permit number that must be posted in listings, ensuring guests book legal property. Licenses require annual renewal and quarterly reports; operating without one can lead to major fines.
Hosts in La Jolla Shores excel at providing clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped vacation homes. Expect upgraded amenities, responsive support, and personalized touches—from babyproofing to local advice. Professional cleaning ensures a cozy experience.
A San Diego vacation rental offers the freedom of a private home, provided you choose a licensed, well-reviewed property. Understanding the regulations, taxes, and fees helps you plan with confidence, especially in inviting, guest-centered communities like La Jolla Shores.