Los Angeles allows short-term rentals only at your primary residence through the Home-Sharing Ordinance (Ordinance 185,931). To operate legally, you must register with the Department of City Planning, which costs $89 annually. You must live in the property for more than 6 months of the year. Standard home-sharing is capped at 120 days per calendar year for unhosted stays, though you can apply for Extended Home-Sharing to exceed this limit if you have a clean compliance record. Properties subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (generally pre-October 1978 multi-unit buildings), affordable housing covenants, or income restrictions are not eligible. Renters need written landlord approval. Accessory Dwelling Units built after January 1, 2017 can only be used for home-sharing if the ADU itself is your primary residence. The city enforces the ordinance with fines of $500 to $2,000 per day for violations, and your registration can be suspended after two citations or revoked after three citations within a year.
Licensing and Permits
Los Angeles requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process.
Enforcement
Los Angeles has high enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.
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Sign Up FreeCompiled from 7 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.