You’re considering hosting a short-term rental in Irvine through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway. In that case, you must understand that short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in the city’s residential zones.
Under Section 3-25-3.A of the Irvine Zoning Ordinance, no property owner, manager, or tenant is allowed to rent out a home or part of a home for fewer than 31 consecutive days in any residential zoning district within Irvine.
This 2025 update covers everything you need to know about the short-term rental laws in Irvine, including enforcement, advertising restrictions, penalties, and resources for residents.
Are Short-Term Rentals Legal in Irvine?
No. Short-term rentals (STRs) are not allowed in any residential zoning district in the City of Irvine.
A short-term rental is defined as any residential unit rented for less than 31 consecutive days. This applies to full homes, individual rooms, guesthouses, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
STR Advertising Is Also Illegal
According to Section 3-25-3.B of the Irvine Zoning Ordinance, advertising a short-term rental is a violation, even if the property is not actively used.
This means it’s illegal to list a home on Airbnb, VRBO, or any booking platform if it’s located in a residential zone within Irvine. Any such post is treated as a violation of the ordinance and is subject to penalties.
Enforcement & Monitoring
To enhance enforcement, the City of Irvine partners with Host Compliance, a leading third-party service specializing in short-term rental monitoring and reporting.
Residents can:
- Call the STR Hotline at 949-269-3600
- File complaints online through the Host Compliance portal
These tools make it easy to report suspected illegal short-term rentals (STRs) in local neighborhoods.
Penalties for Violations
The City of Irvine imposes strict penalties for anyone caught operating or advertising an STR:
- Daily fines starting from $100 and escalating up to $500 per day
- Misdemeanor charges against property owners or agents found in violation
- Ongoing violations can lead to legal action and court-ordered penalties
These regulations are enforced seriously, and repeated offenses may lead to substantial financial and legal consequences.
Role of Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
Even if the city prohibits short-term rentals, local homeowners’ association (HOA) may have additional enforcement tools under the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Many Irvine HOAs are highly active in:
- Reporting illegal rentals
- Imposing HOA fines or penalties
- Taking civil action against violators
Residents are encouraged to contact their homeowners’ association (HOA) or tenant association for additional information on enforcement rules and support.
Final Thoughts: Airbnb Hosting Not Allowed in Irvine
As of 2025, short-term rentals are banned across all residential zones in Irvine. Attempting to operate or advertise an STR—even through major platforms—is illegal and can lead to steep penalties.
For responsible hosting options nearby, consider exploring other cities within Orange County that permit short-term rentals under specific conditions. But within Irvine city limits, short-term rentals are not allowed under any circumstances.
For updated regulations, reporting tools, or more information, visit the official City of Irvine website or contact your local HOA.
Follow the link and learn more about Airbnb Management Irvine.