You’ve invested in a beautiful property in Los Angeles and want to transform it into a profitable vacation rental. Operating short-term rentals in Los Angeles, such as an Airbnb, is absolutely possible. But it’s also important to know that the City of Los Angeles’ Airbnb laws are strict and closely regulated.
Los Angeles short-term rentals are legal, but only under the strict rules of the Home-Sharing Ordinance (HSO). These rules protect the city’s housing supply. You must understand them to avoid big fines and keep your business running.
The three major rules are simple: you must live there, you can only rent it for 120 days, and you must register it. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines of up to $2,000 per day. Staying compliant with these complex Los Angeles Airbnb Laws is a full-time job. This is why many successful hosts partner with an expert.
This guide is your map to profitable, penalty-free hosting. With Guestable as your partner, maximizing your rental income has never been easier.
The Core of Los Angeles’s Short-Term Rental Regulations
Los Angeles Airbnb Rules center on a few key ideas. These rules are known as the Home-Sharing Ordinance (HSO).
The primary residence requirement
The City of Los Angeles strictly enforces the Primary Residence Rule. This means the home you rent out must be where you live for at least six months, or 183 days, per calendar year. You cannot simply buy a property just to rent it out short-term.
Non-primary homes, secondary residences, or dedicated investment properties are ineligible for short-term rentals Los Angeles within the city limits. You can only short-term rent the home you actually live in.
The 120-day annual hosting limit
The City of Los Angeles limits unhosted short-term stays, stays of 30 days or less, to 120 days per year. Once you hit that 120-day cap, you must stop hosting for the rest of the calendar year.
Los Angeles offers a more complex option known as “Extended Home-Sharing,” which can serve as a potential workaround for certain hosts. However, only those who meet the city’s strict eligibility criteria and have held a valid home-sharing registration for at least six months can apply.
Excluded properties and zoning restrictions
Not all properties in Los Angeles are allowed to be used as short-term rentals. The Home-Sharing Ordinance strictly prohibits certain types of units from being registered.
Ineligible properties include:
- Rent-Stabilized Ordinance, or RSO, units: These are protected units meant for long-term residents.
- Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, and Junior ADUs: These are separate units on the property.
- Income-restricted housing
It is easy to make a costly mistake by listing an ineligible property. That’s why having professional Airbnb property management services like Guestable check your zoning and RSO status is a good call before you invest. This verification saves your time and reduces legal risk.
How Do I Get a Home Sharing Permit in Los Angeles?
Getting your permit is the most important step for compliance with Los Angeles Airbnb Laws.
Mandatory registration and fees
To operate legally, you’ll need to obtain a Home-Sharing Registration Number from the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. This number is mandatory and must appear on all of your listings, including platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.
There are also a few fees to keep in mind:
- Initial application fee: Around $199 for a new registration.
- Annual renewal fee: Also about $199, required each year to stay active.
- Home-Sharing Enforcement Fee: A small fee charged per booked night.
Proving primary residency and landlord consent
You must also submit documents that prove you actually live in the property. Doing so proves you meet the 183-Day Residency Rule.
Documentation needed for your Home Sharing Permit in Los Angeles can include:
- Utility bills in your name
- Your voter registration
- A valid driver’s license
- Your property tax bill showing a homeowner’s exemption
If you’re renting your unit, you’ll need to provide a notarized affidavit that clearly shows your landlord’s written approval for short-term rentals in Los Angeles.
The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate
Getting an Airbnb Permit in Los Angeles is not the only requirement. You must also register with the Office of Finance for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate.
The City of Los Angeles Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is currently 14%. As a host, you’re required to collect this tax from your guests and submit it to the city, unless your booking platform, such as Airbnb, collects and remits it on your behalf.
What Are the Penalties for Illegal Short-Term Rentals in Los Angeles?
The consequences for violating Airbnb Regulations in Los Angeles are serious and meant to ensure every host stays compliant. Because fines and penalties can be steep, partnering with professional support is often a smart way to protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes.
Financial fines and legal ramifications
The fines for operating without a valid registration or violating the Los Angeles Home-Sharing Ordinance can be severe:
- Operating without a permit: Fines can reach up to $2,000 per day.
- Advertising violations: The penalty is the greater of $500 per day or double the nightly rate.
Repeat offenses can lead to even harsher consequences. The city may suspend or permanently revoke your Short-Term Rental Permit in Los Angeles, effectively ending your ability to host legally.
Addressing nuisance and guest behavior
As a host, you’re responsible for making sure your guests follow the city’s operational guidelines. These rules are designed to keep neighborhoods pleasant and hosting experiences positive:
- Occupancy limits: A maximum of two guests per habitable room.
- Quiet hours: Keep noise levels down after 10:00 PM.
- Guest code of conduct: Provide clear expectations to every renter.
While occasional concerns from neighbors can happen, they don’t have to become a headache. With Guestable’s professional guest screening and 24/7 communication, we help manage any issues quickly. We are here to keep your property compliant, your neighbors happy, and your hosting stress-free.
Insurance and HOA/Lease conflicts
Los Angeles Airbnb laws can also impact your home insurance. Most standard homeowner’s policies don’t cover short-term rental activity since it’s considered a commercial use. To stay fully protected, hosts should secure specialized STR insurance tailored for vacation rentals.
Remember to check your property’s rules. Local CC&Rs, or Homeowners Association rules, or your lease agreement can ban short-term rental use. This ban applies even if the city allows it.
Beyond the City: Understanding LA County and Neighboring Rules
The Los Angeles market is vast and complex. Rules change based on the exact city or area your property is in. All the more reasons why you need a local expert.
The difference between Los Angeles City and County
The City of LA’s Home-Sharing Ordinance rules, including the Primary Residence and 120-day cap, only apply within the city limits. However, the rules for properties in unincorporated areas are different.
LA County Airbnb Regulations in unincorporated areas, for example, may have different day limits or residency requirements. So, knowing exactly which jurisdiction your property falls under is very important.
Neighboring jurisdictions, Santa Monica, and Pasadena
Neighboring cities often have their own stricter rules. Santa Monica, for instance, has essentially banned un-hosted short-term rentals. Pasadena has separate, clear permit rules.
This contrast shows just how valuable professional guidance can be. At Guestable, we understand the entire Los Angeles region inside and out: including Santa Monica’s Airbnb rules, so you can host with confidence and avoid accidental violations. Our expertise extends to specialized areas as well, such as Airbnb management in West Hollywood, where local regulations can be especially strict.
We’ll help you find the most profitable and compliant location for your property, whether it’s within Los Angeles or in a nearby area that welcomes short-term rentals.
Navigating Compliance and Maximizing Income with Professional Management
Having an expert short-term rental management company as your partner goes a long way. With the right guidance, you can work around complex regulations with confidence, simplify day-to-day management, and unlock the full earning potential of your property without the stress.
The Guestable Advantage in Los Angeles
As a trusted Airbnb rental management company, Guestable takes the stress out of navigating Los Angeles’s strict short-term rental rules so you can focus on enjoying the rewards of hosting.
- Permit Handling: We manage the entire Home Sharing Permit Los Angeles process from start to finish.
- Compliance Tracking: We accurately track your 120-day limit to avoid fines. We also capture maximum revenue within the legal hosting window. This is the core benefit of virtual property management.
- Guest Vetting: We use strict screening to prevent the noise and nuisance complaints that can lead to permit revocation.
With our full-service Airbnb management in Los Angeles, you can host confidently knowing every detail, from compliance to guest experience, is handled with care.
Stop Worrying About Fines: Partner with Guestable for Airbnb Management
Running short-term rentals in Los Angeles requires careful attention to detail and consistent compliance. Even a small mistake can be costly: a single $2,000 fine can take away months of hard-earned profit. With so many rules to manage, having the right support isn’t just helpful. It’s the right move to protect your income and keep your hosting business running smoothly.
Partner with the Top Los Angeles Short-Term Rental Management Company
Start earning confidently with Guestable. As your trusted Airbnb rental management company, we’ll take care of everything. We’ll keep your rental fully compliant, consistently booked, and performing at its best.
Your worrying about Los Angeles Airbnb regulations ends now.
Connect with us for your Los Angeles STR profitability and compliance audit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in the City of Los Angeles is 14%. Hosts must collect this tax from guests for any stay that is 30 consecutive days or less. Hosts must pay this tax to the city, unless the booking platform collects it for them.