Santa Rosa - Seeking STR Insights & Local Agent Recommendations

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Santa Rosa - Seeking STR Insights & Local Agent Recommendations

Sushil Gupta
Member since 2023 · 14 posts · 9 votes

Hi everyone,

I’m exploring opportunities to invest in a short-term rental property in Santa Rosa, CA and would love to hear from folks with experience in the market. Specifically, I’m looking to understand:

  • What's the current demand and overall sentiment in your STR market?
  • Is Santa Rosa STR friendly? How hard or easy would it be to secure STR license.
  • Are there any recent or upcoming regulatory changes (Airbnb/STR laws) I should be aware of?
  • What areas are still investor-friendly for STRs in terms of returns and local policies?

I’d also appreciate any recommendations for agents or brokers who specialize in STRs — folks who understand both the numbers and the local regulatory landscape.

Feel free to DM me or drop your thoughts here — thanks in advance for sharing your experience!

Also this will be my first STR - in Santa Rosa or anywhere else, and any additional guidance will be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

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Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
1y

I've said it once and I'll say it again, CA (unless you are very seasoned) is not very investor friendly with regulation, taxation, tenancy laws, etc.



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  • Jon Martin
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    From what I've gathered, Santa Rosa is not STR friendly, nor is Sonoma County in general because of a strict county wide ordinance. Which gives you an idea of how most residents feel about it. For that reason the performance of the existing stock is pretty good because they are grandfathered in. Not sure if it's even possible to legally enter the market at this point.

    If you are set on the area then give the STR ordinance a look and maybe you will find a zoning code designator or part of the county where it's allowed and you can search for properties with that in mind.

    To be clear I do not invest in the area but I used to live up that way and travel there frequently. Good luck with your search. 

    0Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y

    Hey @Sushil Gupta, important statement

    City No Longer Accepting Applications for Non-Hosted STRs:

    To apply for a Hosted STR, the property owner must live and sleep on the property, and the property must be the owner's principal residence (where the owner resides for more than one-half of the year)

    So unless you plan to live in the place you are short term renting, Santa Rosa is a no go.

    https://www.srcity.org/3625/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals

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    • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
      1y
      Quote from @Michael Baum:

      Hey @Sushil Gupta, important statement

      City No Longer Accepting Applications for Non-Hosted STRs:

      To apply for a Hosted STR, the property owner must live and sleep on the property, and the property must be the owner's principal residence (where the owner resides for more than one-half of the year)

      So unless you plan to live in the place you are short term renting, Santa Rosa is a no go.

      https://www.srcity.org/3625/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals


      one might try Guerneville or Monte Rio  area that is geared towards tourists.. Although be cautious of flooding in those areas
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  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    maybe try Santa Rosa New Mexico, home of the Blue Hole?

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  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    I've said it once and I'll say it again, CA (unless you are very seasoned) is not very investor friendly with regulation, taxation, tenancy laws, etc.



    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    3Reply
  • Sushil Gupta
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 14 posts · 9 votes
    1y

    thank you all, which would be good places to invest in CA for STRs? Given this is gonna be my first STR, I want to be somewhat more involved in the beginning.

    0Reply
  • Renee Krystek
    Interior Decorator · Chicago, IL · Member since 2025 · 31 posts · 40 votes
    1y

    Hey Sushil,

    I agree with those above, CA is tough! Though our design company has had quite a handful of new STR owners coming in from Wine Country and Coachella so I do know it is possible.

    If you haven’t already, definitely connect with a local agent who specializes in STRs someone who knows both the regulatory map and what guests are booking.

    And best of luck!

    1Reply
    • Sushil Gupta
      OP
      Member since 2023 · 14 posts · 9 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Renee Krystek:

      Hey Sushil,

      I agree with those above, CA is tough! Though our design company has had quite a handful of new STR owners coming in from Wine Country and Coachella so I do know it is possible.

      If you haven’t already, definitely connect with a local agent who specializes in STRs someone who knows both the regulatory map and what guests are booking.

      And best of luck!


       Makes sense, thank you, Renee

      0Reply
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