Palm Springs · Choosing a manager
Ask them how they count.
A Palm Springs certificate is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with a contract limit, monthly tax returns and a 15-minute phone standard. The manager you want can tell you exactly how they keep count.
Six questions
What to ask, and what a good answer sounds like.
Each question rests on a City of Palm Springs rule. Ask any manager, including us.
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 1. Which certificate fits my plans? | A full vacation rental certificate, a Junior certificate with six contracts a year, or a homeshare where you stay on site. Each sets a different year. |
| 2. How do you track my contracts? | New certificates allow 26 a year and existing ones 32, plus four in the third quarter. Ask to see the running count. |
| 3. Who files the Contract Summary? | Every stay of 28 nights or less, before it happens. The City does not accept them after the fact. |
| 4. Who files the monthly tax? | TOT and the 1% tourism assessment are due every month, including zero months. Late filing costs 10% or $50, whichever is greater, plus interest. |
| 5. Who answers within 15 minutes? | The local contact must answer by phone within 15 minutes and arrive within 30. Ask whose phone it is at 1 a.m. |
| 6. Is my friends and family list filed? | Up to five named people can stay free without counting as contracts. Anyone else does. |
Before you sign
What the City needs from you, not the manager.
The certificate is in the owner's name. The application asks for government ID, proof of at least $500,000 liability insurance, an ownership form, a pool certification form, a safety inspection form and, where there is one, an HOA letter. A good manager will assemble these with you, but you sign them.
Casago's Palm Springs team manages about 310 homes in the city. Put the six questions to us in your free evaluation.
Sources, checked October 27, 2026
- Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 5.25 Vacation Rentals
- City of Palm Springs, Submit Contract Summary
- City of Palm Springs, Vacation Rental TOT Information
- City of Palm Springs, Vacation Rental Certificate
Educational, not legal or tax advice. Confirm the rules for your address with the City.
Choosing a manager in Palm Springs
What happens if a Palm Springs tax return is late?
The City charges 10% of the tax due or $50, whichever is greater, plus interest. A return is due every month, even with no guests.
How fast must someone respond to a complaint?
The local contact must be available around the clock, answer by phone within 15 minutes and respond in person within 30 minutes.
Can a manager file Contract Summaries later?
No. The City says Contract Summaries cannot be submitted retroactively, so they have to be filed before each stay.
Palm Springs
Ask us how we count.
Your local Palm Springs team will answer the six questions for your home in the free evaluation. Prefer to talk? Call (760) 558-4949.
Acme House Company is a DBA of Acme CA, Inc., operating as Casago Greater Palm Springs. California DRE #02420145. Michael E. Flannery, Designated Broker.