Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pasadena, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Pasadena, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed only for primary residences (host must reside 9+ months/year). Hosted (Type 1) rentals have no annual stay cap, while unhosted (Type 2) rentals are limited to 90 days per calendar year. Occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests; ADUs built after Jan 1, 2017, are generally ineligible. 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.

STRs are allowed only for primary residences (host must reside 9+ months/year). Hosted (Type 1) rentals have no annual stay cap, while unhosted (Type 2) rentals are limited to 90 days per calendar year. Occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests; ADUs built after Jan 1, 2017, are generally ineligible.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pasadena. 1) Complete the 'Supplemental Forms for STR' including a notarized affidavit, neighborhood notice, and proof of primary residency. 2) Submit the forms and apply online via the City’s STR portal (Deckard portal) and pay the $117 application fee. 3) Complete a property self-certification or inspection and remit TOT/TBID taxes quarterly.

1) Complete the 'Supplemental Forms for STR' including a notarized affidavit, neighborhood notice, and proof of primary residency. 2) Submit the forms and apply online via the City’s STR portal (Deckard portal) and pay the $117 application fee. 3) Complete a property self-certification or inspection and remit TOT/TBID taxes quarterly.

Vrbo is permitted in Pasadena, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Pasadena 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Pasadena. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.