Fines continue for South Lake Tahoe vacation homes advertised and rented on expired permit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The phasing out of Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in the city of South Lake Tahoe began on January 1, 2021 per the guidance of Measure T, the voter approved initiative to move the popular lodging choice out of neighborhoods and into commercial and tourist areas.

Per Measure T, permits will not be renewed after their 2021 expiration date. So far, 143 permits have expired and another 34 permits have been closed due to other reasons including the home being sold. Sixteen $1,000 fines have been issued to homeowners for continuing to advertise their VHR as available for rent.

Homes can now be rented for periods of 30 days or more, or if the homeowner lives in the home, they can rent it out for up to 30 days a year (only if primary residence).

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) has been following up on expired VHR permits to ensure compliance. Information on expired permits by month is outlined below.

JANUARY:
60 VHR permits expired in January and were closed
• 11 are now changed to long term rentals (>30 days)
• 24 removed all ads
• 16 were emailed to remove ads that show no availability
• 9 received $1,000 citations for unpermitted VHR ads
7 additional VHR permits were closed due to the home being sold or other reasons.

FEBRUARY:
42 VHR permits expired in February and were closed
• 6 are now changed to long term rentals (>30 days)
• 13 removed all ads
• 17 were emailed to remove ads that show no availability
• 3 received $1,000 citations for unpermitted VHR ads
• 2 Sold
• 1 now has a QVHR permit
10 additional VHR permits were closed due to the home being sold or other reasons.

MARCH:
41 VHR permits expired in March and were closed
• 12 are now changed to long term rentals (>30 days)
• 21 removed all ads
• 2 were advised to remove ads that show no availability
• 4 received $1,000 citations for unpermitted VHR ads
• 2 Sold
17 additional VHR permits were closed due to the home being sold or other reasons.

A QVHR, a qualified vacation home rental, is the permit required for locals renting out their primary residence for up to 30 days per year.

As of April 5, 2021 there are 800 VHR’s remaining in residential areas, according to SLTPD Chief David Stevenson.

For a detailed map of what is shown above, visit https://www.cityofslt.us/453/Vacation-Home-Rentals. VHRs are able to continue in South Lake Tahoe only if in the zoned commercial and tourist core areas.