What Exactly Is Considered a Short-Term Rental in Huntington Beach
The city of Huntington Beach defines a short-term rental as any residential swelling unit,or portion thereof, that is offered or provided to paying guests by a host or owner/operator for thirty consecutive nights. The city has two separate zoning ordinances for rental properties. Prior to March 1, 2022 any property within zone 2 could be operated without a host present. Zone 1 is defined as properties within the city whereas Zone 2 is properties within the Sunset Beach Corridor. If a host obtained an updated permit before the deadline the unhosted rental will be able to operate as before.
Quick Summary of Huntington Beach Airbnb Rules and Taxation
- Short-term Vacation rental: 30 consecutive days or less.
- Hosts are not required to exclusively rent out their primary residence. All properties must require individual applications.
- With all units registered post March 1st, 2022 there is a requirement that for all short-term rentals there is to be an onsite host in all occupied properties. Unless it falls into the aforementioned category.
- There is also a required Local Contact Person must be available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week to respond within 1 hour to complaints and take action to resolve complaints
- With all units registered post March 1st, 2022 there is a requirement that for all short-term rentals there is to be an onsite host in all occupied properties. Unless it falls into the aforementioned category.
- Licence required: Apply online or in person, License number must appear on all ads (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo).
- The application fee is $639 dollars for the first two initial years, per dwelling unit. The subsequent annual renewal fee is $332. The hosts or hosting agent must submit renewal prior to 30 days before the original registration date.
- Huntington does apply two separate municipal rental taxes as well as the state income tax.
- Retail Sales Tax: The minimum combined 2025 sales tax rate for Los Angeles is 7.75%
- Transient Occupancy Tax: Huntington Beach applies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all properties rented to transient customers. A transient is defined as any person who exercises occupancy or is entitled to occupancy for 30 days or less.
- Huntington Beach also requires an annual remittance on the city’s Tourism Business Improvement District assessment.
- The TBID is a fund that is designated to improve marketing, sales promotions, and destination product development to increase overnight tourism. It is a 6% tax on the gross short-term room revenue
- Huntington Beach also requires an annual remittance on the city’s Tourism Business Improvement District assessment.
How to Apply for a Huntington Beach Home-Sharing Licence
Step-by-Step application instructions and descriptions (Apply Online Here):
To operate a Short-term rental in Huntington Beach hosts will need to be approved for a Home-Sharing Licence. There are 5 steps that must be completed so that the property can be legally permitted to be rented on all booking sites.
- Verify eligibility criteria
- For renters and lessees, obtain a notarized affidavit signed by the property owner/landlord authorizing the Host’s participation in Home-Sharing
- Gather relevant documents to demonstrate primary residency
- Complete online registration
- Post Home-Sharing Registration Number on all listings
If there are any material changes to the information submitted on a short-term rental permit application, the owner shall submit an amended application on a form to be provided by the City and signed by the owner under penalty of perjury within 30 days
Hosts will have to remit the aforementioned taxes at the required dates and times.
Huntington Beach Rental Enforcement & Penalties
The city of Huntington Beach will enforce regulatory compliance through one of if not all avenues described here:
- Fines under both state and municipal guidelines.
- Unpaid penalties can be added to your property tax bill.
- Suspension or revocation of license
- Inspections may occur without prior notice
Huntington Beach Short-term Rental Market Potential
- Average Nightly Rate: $315–$450
- Premium Properties: $850+ during peak summer months
- Occupancy: ~85% average, up to 95% in peak seasons
- Average Monthly Revenue: $4750-$6500 for typical listings, $10000+ for premium properties
Why Huntington Beach is a Top Airbnb Destination
Huntington Beach, famously known as “Surf City USA” is a coastal gem located in the heart of Orange County that attracts millions of visitors annually with its laid-back lifestyle and iconic surf culture. The city boasts over 10 miles of pristine sandy coastline and a vibrant downtown filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment. With its consistent waves and immaculate beaches making it a surfers paradise – signature events like the US Open of Surfing, the pacific airshow and the numerous local cultural events and festivals bring in guests from around the world. Huntington Beach offers a strong and reliable rental market, fueled by its steady stream of domestic and international visitors and its reputation as a year-round coastal getaway. With millions of tourists visiting Orange County annually demand stays high across both short and mid-term rentals. The city attracts a wide range of guests – families who are enjoying beach vacations, surf enthusiasts, event-goers and business travelers – all of whom are looking for well maintained quality accommodations near the ocean. The year-round sunshine, outdoor activities along the ocean strand, and the welcoming beach town vibes only SoCal can produce make it easy to see why Huntington Beach is one of the West Coast’s most sought after destinations.
Demand for Mid-Term Rentals (30+ Days)
Mid-term rentals in Huntington Beach are seeing a growing demand as the city’s coastal appeal, high rental prices and strict short-term rental rules are pushing many visitors toward 30+ days stays. With average monthly rental rates hovering between $3500-$4000 and a low vacancy rate coupled with strong interest from remote workers, relocating professionals, seasonal visitors/snowbirds – The market is well positioned for hosts offering furnished, flexible housing. Huntington Beach’s prime location – minutes from surf, sand and the cultural hubs of Orange County – making mid-term rentals especially attractive. This gives property owners the chance to achieve strong returns while meeting the diverse needs of the steady tenant base.
Why Choose Guestable for Your Huntington Beach Airbnb
- Best Revenue Optimization Strategies: Data-driven pricing to maximize earnings.
- Tailored Management Solutions: Customized plans to fit your goals.
- Client-Focused Communication: 24/7 availability, transparent updates.
- Dynamic Rental Approach: Expertise in both short- and mid-term markets, adjusting to seasonal trends.
- Guest Experience & Ground Support: Local presence across Los Angeles County and across the state of California. Offering high end hands-on guest service.
Huntington Beach Airbnb FAQ
Do I need a licence to operate an Airbnb in Huntington Beach?
Yes, all rental units with the express purpose of housing guests/visitors for less than 30 days at a time will need to be approved for either home-sharing license.
How long does the licence process take?
The application takes minutes, but full approval depends on inspections and document submission. The municipal code officer will contact the applicant within 3 business days of the inspection being completed.
Do I need to collect any tax from guests?
Yes, the City of Huntington Beach requires that all owners must collect and remit the transient occupancy tax, tourism business improvement district tax and the combined sales tax
Final Word for Potential Hosts
Huntington Beach, internationally known as “Surf City Usa” is a premier coastal town that fuels a thriving short-term rental market with its 10 miles of sandy beaches, legendary surf, a lively downtown core and major events like the US Open of Surfing and the Pacific Airshow drawing millions of visitors each year. Strong year-round tourism keeps the occupancy rates high, with average monthly rental prices around $3500 and low vacancy rates make it equally attractive for hosts and owners exploring the operation of mid-term stays of 30-90 nights. Popular with digital nomads, snowbirds, and relocating professionals seeking furnished, flexible and premium housing. This dual demand positions Huntington Beach as one of California’s most dynamic rental markets, offering hosts the chance to maximize their ROI’s while providing guests with unforgettable experiences in one of the most iconic beach communities in the West Coast.