Short-term rentals, cool centers reopening

INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – With thoughts of summer vacation, Riverside County is easing restrictions on short-term rentals.

Homeowners who rent single occupancy residences for short-term stays may resume operations in Riverside County. Operators should implement safety precautions and disinfectant protocols outlined in the local guidance developed by the Riverside County Economic Recovery Task Force.

This directive does not include hotels, motels and inns, which the State of California has prohibited as part of the statewide stay-at-home order. However, in alignment with other Southern Californian counties, short-term vacation rentals at single occupancy homes may resume.

The Riverside County guidance includes the following:

• Rentals allowed in private homes where the guest rents the entire home and does not share any common areas with others. Home-sharing is not allowed.
• No events or group gatherings are permitted until approved by the State of California. Only guests registered for the home should be on premise.
• Complete a deep cleaning after each rental, using products and protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Ensure a 24-hour reservation gap between when a guest departs and a new arrival.

Meantime, cool centers are opening Monday in Riverside County with modifications to accommodate coronavirus safety guidelines.

The 14 cool centers will be open to the public at no cost. The centers will be available through October during Excessive Heat Warnings.