The County of San Bernardino has received numerous complaints that short-term vacation rentals are continuing to operate, particularly in the Joshua Tree area. The County says these rentals are in clear violation of state and county public health orders that prohibit their operation. Lodging facilities may not operate unless they are housing infrastructure workers, or unless leased by the state or county to house confirmed COVID-19 patients. County officials say these short-term rentals must cease operations immediately; bookings for the foreseeable future must be canceled; no new arrivals may be processed; no reservations should be accepted until the state and county’s orders are rescinded; and any guests currently in rentals must be told to return home. Violation of state and county health orders are crimes punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
