The City of Long Beach has implemented a clear set of short-term rental (STR) rules designed to maintain neighborhood integrity while allowing homeowners and tenants to earn rental income. The STR ordinance, passed on December 8, 2020, defines a short-term rental as any stay of 30 nights or fewer. Whether you’re operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or another platform, it’s essential to understand how the program works in 2025.
STR Registration Types: Hosted and Un-hosted
Before listing a property, hosts must register with the City of Long Beach. Two forms of rental activity are permitted:
- Hosted STR: The host remains on-site in a habitable dwelling or section of the property during the guest’s stay. This applies to both owners and long-term tenants.
- Un-hosted STR: The host is not present during the guest’s stay.
Hosts may register under one of the two categories below, but only one registration of each type is permitted per individual.
Primary vs. Non-Primary Residence STRs
Primary Residence STR
A primary residence is defined as a property where the host resides for at least 275 days per year. To register as a primary residence STR, the unit must be on the same parcel as the host’s permanent home.
- Hosted rentals: no annual day limit
- Un-hosted rentals: capped at 90 days per year
- Registration is done via the city’s official portal
Non-Primary Residence STR
For properties that are not the host’s primary residence, a separate registration is required. These may be operated on a hosted or un-hosted basis with no day limits. However, only 800 Non-Primary Residence STR registrations are permitted citywide.
Application Fees and Registration Timeline
- STR application or renewal fee: $250
- STR registration is valid for 12 months from issuance
- Hosts must renew on time to avoid disruptions in operations
Local Contact and Emergency Access
Every STR must have a local contact person available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This person must:
- Respond to complaints related to the STR within 60 minutes
- Take necessary action to resolve guest-related issues
- Be familiar with city codes and property-specific obligations
Occupancy Limits and Event Policies
STRs in Long Beach must comply with strict occupancy limits:
- Maximum of two guests per bedroom, up to 10 guests total
- Children are included in occupancy calculations
- To host events exceeding these limits, an Occasional Event Permit must be obtained from the Long Beach Special Events Office
Advertising and Registration Number Requirements
Hosts are required to:
- Display the City-issued STR registration number on all listings and advertising
- Ensure transparency and legal compliance across booking platforms
On-Site Guest Information
Hosts must post a visible notice inside the STR containing the following:
- Maximum guest occupancy
- Parking availability and rules
- Trash and recycling pickup information
- Emergency contact numbers
- Location of fire exits, emergency evacuation plans, and extinguisher locations
- 24/7 contact details for the host or designated local agent
- A rule that pools, hot tubs, and spas must not be used between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Prohibition of any exterior signage advertising the rental
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
All STR bookings in Long Beach are subject to a 13 percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Hosts are responsible for:
- Collecting and remitting TOT monthly to the City
- Filing reports using the same portal used for STR registration
- Calculating tax based on gross rental receipts
Compliance and Nuisance Control
The City defines repeated violations of STR rules as a nuisance. Both the host and property owner are accountable for:
- Maintaining guest behavior standards
- Preventing excessive noise, illegal activity, and parking violations
- Avoiding frequent complaints, which can result in penalties or permit revocation
Additional Hosting Responsibilities
Aside from city-level requirements, hosts must comply with the following:
- HOA or condo board regulations
- Lease agreements or rental terms
- Community-specific rules or restrictions
Consult with your landlord or housing association before listing your space. You can also visit the City of Long Beach’s official website for the most up-to-date information or to start your STR registration process.
If you’re looking for support with hosting, listings, or compliance, explore our services for Airbnb Management Long Beach and ensure your rental operates smoothly and legally.