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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Torrance, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

In residential zones, STRs are restricted to 'home sharing' where the host must live onsite. In commercial zones, STRs are permitted with or without a host onsite. Operators must also register for and remit Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) quarterly, even if using platforms like Airbnb.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Short Term Rental Permit Application at the Permit Center (Torrance City Hall). 2. Apply and pay for a City of Torrance business license. 3. Complete the Short Term Rental Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) Registration process.

Regulatory Updates — Torrance

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

Home Sharing Host Presence Requirement Enforced

Torrance increased enforcement of its residential home-sharing requirement, auditing STR listings to identify non-hosted arrangements in residential zones and issuing notices to operators advertising full-home rentals without indicating host presence.

PassedApril 2024

Business Tax Registration Required for All STR Operators

Torrance reaffirmed that all STR operators, including residential home-sharing hosts, must maintain an active Torrance business tax registration and remit applicable transient occupancy taxes.

PassedJanuary 2024

Commercial Zone STR Permit Process Clarified

Torrance clarified the permit process for STRs in commercial zones, specifying documentation requirements and confirming that commercial zone operators are not subject to the home-sharing host presence requirement.

Official Resources

Official Torrance STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in the South Bay Los Angeles market including Torrance.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring Torrance's home-sharing restriction and opposing expansion of non-hosted STR prohibitions in California.

Torrance Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing the Torrance business community, monitoring STR policy for its impact on the South Bay visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Torrance, CA?
In residential zones, STRs are restricted to 'home sharing' where the host must live onsite. In commercial zones, STRs are permitted with or without a host onsite. Operators must also register for and remit Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) quarterly, even if using platforms like Airbnb.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Torrance?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Torrance. 1. Submit a Short Term Rental Permit Application at the Permit Center (Torrance City Hall). 2. Apply and pay for a City of Torrance business license. 3. Complete the Short Term Rental Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) Registration process.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Torrance?
1. Submit a Short Term Rental Permit Application at the Permit Center (Torrance City Hall). 2. Apply and pay for a City of Torrance business license. 3. Complete the Short Term Rental Uniform Occupancy Tax (UOT) Registration process.
Can I rent my entire Torrance home as an STR while I'm traveling?
Not in a residential zone. Torrance requires the host to live onsite for all residential STRs — non-hosted whole-home rentals are prohibited in residential zones. If your property is in a commercial zone, non-hosted STRs are permitted.
What does 'home sharing' mean in Torrance's STR rules?
Home sharing means you, as the property owner or long-term resident, are present during your guest's stay. You can rent a spare room or a portion of your home while you remain on-site. Renting the entire home while you're away is prohibited in residential zones.
Do I need to register my Torrance home-sharing STR as a business?
Yes. All STR operators in Torrance — including residential home-sharing hosts — must register for a Torrance business tax account and remit applicable transient occupancy taxes. Operating without business tax registration is a violation subject to back-tax assessment.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction