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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Anaheim, CA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals require a 3-night minimum stay and a valid regulatory permit plus a Business Tax Certificate. While existing permitted STRs may continue, the opening of entirely new STRs is prohibited. Permits are valid for one year, are non-transferable, and any change in ownership requires a new application within 14 days.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain the short-term rental permit application online or from the Planning Department at City Hall. 2) Submit the completed application in-person at City Hall (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays) or by mail. 3) Upon approval, the City issues a regulatory permit and a Business Tax Certificate; permits must be renewed annually and are non-transferable.

Regulatory Updates — Anaheim

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2023

Anaheim Residential STR Ban Enforcement

City continues active enforcement of 2018 residential STR ban; code enforcement officers respond to complaints and patrol listing platforms for non-compliant operators. Fines up to $1,000/day for violations.

PassedJuly 2024

Anaheim Commercial Zone STR Clarification

City issued updated guidance clarifying that STRs are only permitted in commercially-zoned properties and licensed bed-and-breakfast establishments; residential exemptions are not available.

ProposedOctober 2025

California STR Preemption Study

California state legislators studying whether a limited STR preemption framework could apply to high-demand tourist markets; no bill introduced. Anaheim's ban could be affected if legislation passes.

Official Resources

Official Anaheim STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Anaheim Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local chamber representing Anaheim business interests; STR policy has been largely settled since the 2018 ban.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide housing provider association that tracks STR legislation and provides compliance resources for California operators.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Anaheim, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Anaheim, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals require a 3-night minimum stay and a valid regulatory permit plus a Business Tax Certificate. While existing permitted STRs may continue, the opening of entirely new STRs is prohibited. Permits are valid for one year, are non-transferable, and any change in ownership requires a new application within 14 days. 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 Anaheim, CA?
Short-term rentals require a 3-night minimum stay and a valid regulatory permit plus a Business Tax Certificate. While existing permitted STRs may continue, the opening of entirely new STRs is prohibited. Permits are valid for one year, are non-transferable, and any change in ownership requires a new application within 14 days.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Anaheim?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Anaheim. 1) Obtain the short-term rental permit application online or from the Planning Department at City Hall. 2) Submit the completed application in-person at City Hall (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays) or by mail. 3) Upon approval, the City issues a regulatory permit and a Business Tax Certificate; permits must be renewed annually and are non-transferable.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Anaheim?
1) Obtain the short-term rental permit application online or from the Planning Department at City Hall. 2) Submit the completed application in-person at City Hall (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays) or by mail. 3) Upon approval, the City issues a regulatory permit and a Business Tax Certificate; permits must be renewed annually and are non-transferable.
Is Vrbo legal in Anaheim, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Anaheim, 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 Anaheim?
Short-term rental hosts in Anaheim 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 Anaheim?
The most recent tracked change in Anaheim is "Anaheim Residential STR Ban Enforcement" (2023-09-01, status: passed). City continues active enforcement of 2018 residential STR ban; code enforcement officers respond to complaints and patrol listing platforms for non-compliant operators. Fines up to $1,000/day for violations. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Anaheim near Disneyland?
Whole-home unhosted STRs in residential zones are banned in Anaheim. Only commercially-zoned properties and licensed bed-and-breakfast establishments may legally operate. Despite high demand from Disneyland visitors, the city actively enforces against residential STRs.
What are the fines for illegal STR operation in Anaheim?
Fines for prohibited residential STR operation can reach $1,000/day. Anaheim code enforcement actively monitors listing platforms and responds to neighbor complaints. Non-compliant operators also risk city legal action.
Could California's state government override Anaheim's STR ban?
Possibly in the future. State legislators are studying whether a limited STR preemption framework is warranted in high-demand tourist markets. No bill has been introduced yet, but operators should monitor Sacramento for developments that could affect Anaheim's ban.
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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