Thinking about putting your Moorpark home on Airbnb? You are not alone. Many owners look at short stays as a way to earn extra income, but local rules can be confusing. Here is the clear truth about what is allowed, what is not, and how to stay on the right side of the law in Moorpark. Let’s dive in.
The short answer: stays under 30 days are banned
Moorpark prohibits renting a home or room for less than 30 consecutive days anywhere in the city. The city’s Code Compliance FAQ states: “No, the City of Moorpark prohibits short term rentals (i.e. for periods less than thirty days) throughout the City. Homes may be rented for periods greater than thirty days.” You can read the city’s guidance on short‑term rentals in the Moorpark Code Compliance FAQ.
What counts as a short‑term rental
Definition in the municipal code
Moorpark’s code defines a “residential short‑term rental unit” as all or part of a dwelling offered for 30 consecutive days or less. This definition guides how city staff assess listings and uses. See the planning definitions in the Moorpark Municipal Code.
ADUs and two‑unit projects
If you added an accessory unit or created a two‑unit development, it cannot be used for transient stays. The code requires these units to be rented for terms longer than 30 days. Review the applicable standards in the Moorpark Municipal Code.
What you can and cannot do
What you can do
- Rent your home, a room, or an ADU for 30 days or more.
- Use a written lease that clearly shows start and end dates.
- Keep records to show compliance if asked by the city or your HOA.
What you cannot do
- Offer or advertise stays shorter than 30 days anywhere in Moorpark.
- Operate a vacation rental for weekend, weekly, or nightly bookings.
- Use an ADU or new second unit for transient use.
For the city’s position and contact info, visit Moorpark Code Compliance.
Enforcement and penalties
Moorpark enforces its rules through administrative citations. Fines can escalate per day of violation: up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within 12 months, and up to $500 per day for additional violations, plus potential penalties for delinquent fines. You can review the citation process in the administrative citations chapter. Complaints typically trigger inspections and a notice process through Code Compliance.
HOAs: another layer to check
If your home is in an association, the CC&Rs may also restrict rentals or require minimum lease terms. California’s Davis‑Stirling Act allows associations to prohibit rentals of 30 days or less and to set other lease rules. Timing matters for how new restrictions apply. Get the overview of HOA short‑term rental rules from the Davis‑Stirling resource on rent restrictions.
Taxes, permits, and platforms
Because Moorpark bans stays under 30 days, typical short‑term rental permits and hotel or occupancy taxes for short stays are not in play for properties inside city limits. If your property is outside Moorpark city limits in unincorporated Ventura County, review the county’s transient occupancy tax rules with the Ventura County Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
If your property is not in Moorpark
Rules vary by city. For example, the City of Ventura regulates and permits short‑term vacation rentals with local requirements. If you are comparing options, start with the local program details from the City of Ventura’s STVR page. Always confirm the exact jurisdiction for your address before you list.
How to stay compliant: quick checklist
- Confirm jurisdiction and zoning. Verify your address is inside Moorpark city limits before taking bookings. Use city resources or contact Code Compliance.
- Review HOA rules. Read your CC&Rs, bylaws, and rental policies for lease‑term minimums or notice requirements.
- Choose 30+ day leases. Use a written lease with clear dates and keep copies on file.
- Notify your HOA if required. Some associations require tenant information or lease copies.
- Market accurately. Do not advertise short stays for Moorpark addresses.
- Screen tenants fairly and legally. Follow all fair housing laws and apply the same standards to every applicant.
Choosing the right path for your property can be straightforward once you know the rules. If you are weighing long‑term renting, selling, or buying your next home in Ventura County, reach out to Juliana Lisheski for local guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Can I list my Moorpark home on Airbnb for a weekend?
- No. Moorpark prohibits rentals of less than 30 days citywide, and advertising short stays can lead to enforcement; see the city’s Code Compliance FAQ.
Are 30‑day rentals allowed in Moorpark?
- Yes. Rentals of 30 days or more are permitted in Moorpark; use a signed lease to document dates and keep records for compliance, per the city’s FAQ.
Can I use my ADU for short‑term stays in Moorpark?
- No. Units created under ADU or two‑unit provisions must be rented for terms longer than 30 days; see the standards in the municipal code.
What happens if I get cited for an illegal short‑term rental?
- The city can issue administrative citations with escalating daily fines and pursue further code enforcement; review the administrative citations chapter.
Do I owe occupancy tax on Moorpark short stays?
- Moorpark bans stays under 30 days, so typical short‑term occupancy taxes do not apply inside city limits; if your property is in unincorporated county areas, check with the Ventura County Treasurer‑Tax Collector.
How do I confirm whether my address is inside Moorpark city limits?
- Contact the city’s Code Compliance for help or to report concerns; confirming jurisdiction is the first step before you list.
