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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Los Angeles, CA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Home-sharing is allowed but restricted to the host's primary residence; hosts must register with the City, post registration numbers on all advertisements, and comply with zoning requirements. Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually; Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance are mandatory.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Create an account and submit a home-sharing registration via the City Planning Department’s online Home-Sharing Registration Portal (planning.lacity.org/home-sharing). 2) Provide required documents including home-sharing address, photo ID, proof of primary residence, and landlord approval if applicable. 3) Register for Transient Occupancy Tax with the Office of Finance within 30 days of commencing business; registration requires annual renewal.

Regulatory Updates — Los Angeles

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

Home-Sharing Ordinance — Registration Enforcement Ramp-Up

Los Angeles significantly expanded enforcement of its Home-Sharing Ordinance beginning in 2023, directing LADBS (Department of Building and Safety) to conduct proactive audits of platform listings. Operators found to be renting non-primary residences face fines of $1,500 per violation per day. The city has revoked hundreds of registrations for primary-residency fraud.

Official source
PassedNovember 2019

Extended Absence Permit — 90-Day Cap

Los Angeles requires hosts who wish to rent their primary residence while absent to obtain an Extended Absence Permit, which allows up to 90 days of unhosted rentals per calendar year. The permit requires an additional fee and attestation that the host intends to return to the property. Permits are non-transferable.

ProposedJune 2025

Proposed Hollywood Hills / Hillside Area Restrictions

LA Council members representing hillside neighborhoods have proposed adding density-based restrictions on STRs in the Hollywood Hills, Laurel Canyon, and Topanga areas, citing wildfire evacuation risks and neighborhood character concerns. The proposal is in committee review.

Official Resources

Official Los Angeles STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

LA Airbnb Host CommunityLocal

Airbnb's local host advocacy network in Los Angeles, organizing hosts to engage with the City Council and Mayor's office on Home-Sharing Ordinance implementation and enforcement practices.

California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA)Statewide

Statewide association representing landlords and rental property owners with active STR advocacy, particularly regarding California's lack of preemption and LA's enforcement program.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring Los Angeles and California STR regulations. LA's ordinance is frequently cited as a model by other cities considering primary-residency requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Los Angeles, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Los Angeles, CA, but with restrictions. Home-sharing is allowed but restricted to the host's primary residence; hosts must register with the City, post registration numbers on all advertisements, and comply with zoning requirements. Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually; Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance are mandatory. 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Home-sharing is allowed but restricted to the host's primary residence; hosts must register with the City, post registration numbers on all advertisements, and comply with zoning requirements. Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually; Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance are mandatory.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Los Angeles?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Los Angeles. 1) Create an account and submit a home-sharing registration via the City Planning Department’s online Home-Sharing Registration Portal (planning.lacity.org/home-sharing). 2) Provide required documents including home-sharing address, photo ID, proof of primary residence, and landlord approval if applicable. 3) Register for Transient Occupancy Tax with the Office of Finance within 30 days of commencing business; registration requires annual renewal.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Los Angeles?
1) Create an account and submit a home-sharing registration via the City Planning Department’s online Home-Sharing Registration Portal (planning.lacity.org/home-sharing). 2) Provide required documents including home-sharing address, photo ID, proof of primary residence, and landlord approval if applicable. 3) Register for Transient Occupancy Tax with the Office of Finance within 30 days of commencing business; registration requires annual renewal.
Is Vrbo legal in Los Angeles, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Short-term rental hosts in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
The most recent tracked change in Los Angeles is "Home-Sharing Ordinance — Registration Enforcement Ramp-Up" (2023-06-01, status: passed). Los Angeles significantly expanded enforcement of its Home-Sharing Ordinance beginning in 2023, directing LADBS (Department of Building and Safety) to conduct proactive audits of platform listings. Operators found to be renting non-primary residences face fines of $1,500 per violation per day. The city has revoked hundreds of registrations for primary-residency fraud. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What is Los Angeles's Extended Absence Permit for STRs?
An Extended Absence Permit allows a registered LA home-sharing host to rent their primary residence on a short-term basis while they are temporarily away — for up to 90 days per calendar year. Without this permit, you can only rent your home while you are present (hosted rental). The Extended Absence Permit requires a separate application, fee, and attestation. It is not available for non-primary residences.
Does the LA home-sharing ordinance apply in unincorporated LA County?
No. The Los Angeles Home-Sharing Ordinance applies only within the City of Los Angeles boundaries. Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County (such as East LA, Altadena, and parts of the San Gabriel Valley) are governed by Los Angeles County rules, which have their own separate STR regulations. Before assuming which rules apply, verify whether your property is within city limits using the LA City Zoning Portal or the County Assessor's parcel lookup.
What is the fine for operating without a home-sharing permit in LA?
Fines for operating a short-term rental in Los Angeles without a valid Home-Sharing registration start at $1,500 per violation per day. Additional fines apply for each separate violation (advertising without registration, renting a non-primary residence, etc.). Platforms are also subject to penalties for listing unregistered properties, which has prompted Airbnb and VRBO to actively delist non-registered LA properties.
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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