Maximum occupancy rules for vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe 

In Lake Tahoe rules for maximum occupancy are implied by the respective counties where the residence is located. Lake Tahoe region can be divided into 5 counties (Washoe, Placer, Douglas, Eldorado, and Truckee). In this article, we will explain the maximum occupancy rules for each county in Lake Tahoe. So without further delay, let's get into it: 

1. Placer County (from Kings Beach to Homewood)

Following are the rules of maximum occupancy for Placer County in Lake Tahoe:

  • You can have two guests per bedroom plus two extra people for the whole property.
    (Example: If you have a -two-bedroom house, you can host up to six people.)

  • This rule starts after 10 p.m., so daytime gatherings might be more flexible.

  • Bonus: Kids under 12 don’t count toward this limit, which is great for families!

2. Washoe County (Incline Village and Crystal Bay)

Here are the maximum occupancy rules in Washoe County in Lake Tahoe:

  • You’re allowed one guest for every 200 square feet of living space.
    (Example: If your house is 1,800 square feet, you can host nine guests.)

  • This flexible approach means larger homes can accommodate more people, even if they don’t have extra bedrooms but both adults and children are counted.

3. El Dorado County (South Lake Tahoe)

The rules for maximum occupancy in El Dorado County are property-specific:

  • Every home has its occupancy limit, usually set when the property gets inspected.

  • Children under five don’t count toward the guest total, so families with toddlers have some wiggle room.

  • Keep in mind: Fire and safety inspections might adjust how many guests you’re allowed to host.

4. City of South Lake Tahoe

If you’re running a hosted rental (where you or someone else lives on-site during a guest’s stay):

  • You can have two guests per bedroom, but no more than six total guests, even if you have extra rooms.

  • Again, kids under five don’t count, which helps families fit within the limits.

5. Douglas County (Zephyr Cove, Stateline, Glenbrook)

Maximum occupancy rules for Douglas County are a bit tricky:

  • Each property has specific occupancy rules, which can change over time.

  • It’s a good idea to check with the county to stay up to date and avoid any surprises.

6. Nevada County (Truckee, CA)

For the town of Truckee, maximum occupancy rules are as follows: 

  • During quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), the occupancy limit is two adults per bedroom, plus two extra adults. Children under 13 are not included in the count. For example, a 3-bedroom property can host up to 8 adults during these hours.

If you’re renting out a vacation property in Lake Tahoe, it’s super important to know the rules about how many guests you can host. Also, if you want to know more about the counties in Lake Tahoe and short-term rental permits please visit Short-Term Rental Permit Regulations and Guide For Lake Tahoe & Truckee.