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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Alhambra, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are limited to a city-wide cap of 500 permits and are prohibited in ADUs, JADUs, industrial zones, and buildings with 5 or more units. Occupancy is restricted to two guests per bedroom, and a local contact must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 30 minutes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Residential Business License application along with the Short-Term Rental Permit application and government ID. 2. Provide a self-certification inspection report completed by a certified general contractor or home inspector and include at least 3 photos of the unit. 3. Renew the permit annually no later than 30 days after expiration.

Official Resources

Official Alhambra STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Alhambra, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Alhambra, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are limited to a city-wide cap of 500 permits and are prohibited in ADUs, JADUs, industrial zones, and buildings with 5 or more units. Occupancy is restricted to two guests per bedroom, and a local contact must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 30 minutes. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Alhambra, CA?
Short-term rentals are limited to a city-wide cap of 500 permits and are prohibited in ADUs, JADUs, industrial zones, and buildings with 5 or more units. Occupancy is restricted to two guests per bedroom, and a local contact must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within 30 minutes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Alhambra?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Alhambra. 1. Submit a Residential Business License application along with the Short-Term Rental Permit application and government ID. 2. Provide a self-certification inspection report completed by a certified general contractor or home inspector and include at least 3 photos of the unit. 3. Renew the permit annually no later than 30 days after expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Alhambra?
1. Submit a Residential Business License application along with the Short-Term Rental Permit application and government ID. 2. Provide a self-certification inspection report completed by a certified general contractor or home inspector and include at least 3 photos of the unit. 3. Renew the permit annually no later than 30 days after expiration.
Is Vrbo legal in Alhambra, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Alhambra, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Alhambra?
Short-term rental hosts in Alhambra are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Alhambra?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Alhambra. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction