The City of San Bernardino wants homeowners to get an annual business license

The City of San Bernardino will begin to require homeowners to obtain an annual business license from the city in order to continue to rent out their own properties.

The City of San Bernardino will also begin to place liens on 248 properties throughout the city for unpaid business registration fees, and the idea was approved at Wednesday night's city council meeting.

What is a Lien?

A lien is a right given to the municipal government to keep or possess a property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged.

How does the city know if you are renting a house?

The city council revealed that the water department works directly with the city of San Bernardino to determine if an individual is renting a home by giving the records over to the city government.

What does this mean?

The City considers renting out your home to be a business, and the municipal code requires collecting an annual fee in addition to the standard property taxes. Mr. Emilio Flores, 84, traveled all the way from New Mexico to address the council and question the practice's legality. Should you be required to pay an annual business registration fee if you rent out your home?