Santa Monica prohibits un-hosted vacation rentals. Only "home-sharing" is legal: the host must live in the home, be present during the stay, hold a Home-Sharing license, and collect Transient Occupancy Tax. Whole-unit short-term rentals where the host is not present are not permitted.
Licensing and Permits
Santa Monica 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
Santa Monica 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.
Get the full Santa Monica compliance guide
Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.
Sign Up FreeCompiled from 3 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
Disclaimer: 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.