If you are looking to purchase a home to use as a short-term vacation rental (rental periods of less than 31 nights), you will be required to apply for a permit with the county in which the home is located. While Lake Tahoe falls into two different states, we have five different counties around the lake, that each have their own set of requirements and their own application processes. The guidelines have gone through numerous renditions and are always subject to change, so your best resources will be found on the county websites, organized below.
Let's start with the counties. In the below map of Lake Tahoe, you will see four counties, with Truckee falling into both Placer County and Nevada County (detailed in the second map), and in some neighborhoods, it may even come down to what side of the road you live on! Northstar lies in Placer County, while Tahoe Donner is in Nevada County. The town of Truckee lies in Nevada County, which has additional restrictions, including that your home can not be short-term rented within one year of purchase.
Notably, many gated communities and some condo complexes and HOAs will not allow rentals for less than 31-day periods. If renting your home for short increments of time is a requirement for your purchase, this may dictate neighborhoods that you search in.
Some counties experience waitlists for permits. If renting your home is a necessary part of your purchase, you may want to call county offices to determine the waiting period.
Below, we provide links for more information on each county's program and application process. Additionally, our team of agents is well-versed in local policies and available to answer your questions at any time. Email DietzGroup@TLUXP.com or call 530.584.3444, and we will gladly assist.
Placer County, CA
Short-Term Rental Program Information
Short-Term Rental Permit Application
Nevada County, CA (Town of Truckee)
Short-Term Rental Program Information
Short-Term Rental Permit Application
El Dorado County, CA
Vacation Home Rental Program Information
Vacation Home Rental Permit Application
Washoe County, NV (Incline Village & Crystal Bay)
Short-Term Rental Program Information
Short-Term Rental Permit Application
Douglas County, NV
Vacation Home Rental Program Information
Vacation Home Rental Permit Application