Anaheim, California Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Anaheim has 277 approved short-term rentals as of mid-2019. Anaheim City Council passed an ordinance in June 2019 that revised its STR policy. The short-term rental ordinance (Chapter 4.05) can be found here. The new regulation overturns the 2016 STR prohibition and phase-out, which proved challenging to implement as STR owners sought decades of continued operation to recuperate their investments. The new policy permits most STRs to operate in Anaheim while adhering to restrictive rules and good neighbor policies.

The current regulation still prohibits the creation of entirely new STRs. 
Short-term rentals are regulated in Anaheim. Anaheim short-term rental is defined as the "rental of a dwelling or a portion thereof by the owner to another person or group of persons for occupancy, dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes for less than thirty (30) consecutive calendar days. Short-term rental owners or agents must rent their units for at least three nights. This restriction was put in place to prevent frequent disturbances in residential areas caused by the entrance and departure of short-term guests. The  Anaheim occupancy limits for a short-term rental are as follows:

• Studio - 2 Occupants
• 1 Bedroom - 4 Occupants
• 2 Bedrooms - 7 Occupants
• 3 Bedrooms - 9 Occupants
• 4 Bedrooms - 11 Occupants
• 5 Bedrooms - 13 Occupants
• 6 Bedrooms - 15 Occupants
• 7 Bedrooms - 17 Occupants
• 7 Bedrooms - 19 Occupants

The maximum number of residents in any dwelling with more than eight (8) bedrooms shall not exceed nineteen (19). If the occupancy limit in the short-term rental permit is smaller than that given in the table, the permitted limit will apply. For details on the City of Anaheim's Short-Term Rental Program, review this link and see the Anaheim Short-Term Rental fact sheet. 

Business License Requirements

A short-term rental permit is required for any owner or agency renting residential property for a duration of 30 days or less. Failure to register will be the property owner's full responsibility. In order to obtain a short-term rental permit, you must apply to the City of Anaheim using the short-term rental permit application. The necessary application can also be picked up from the Planning Department at Anaheim City Hall.

The application must be filled out and returned in person between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or mailed to the address listed on the application. Short-term rental permit application You will be issued a City of Anaheim Business Tax Certificate (business license) once you have completed the permit process along with the regulatory permit for the short-term rental. The regulatory permit will include a unique permit number (REG#) that you must use as a part of the program, which will allow the Code Enforcement staff to verify your compliance with the established guidelines. For more forms and applications related to Short-Term Rental, click here. 

Building and Housing Standards

Anaheim has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Please consult Chapter 15.03 - Building Standard Codes, Short-term rental ordinance Chapter 4.05.100, and contact City’s Planning and Building Department for more information. 

Tourist and Local Taxes

The short-term rental is subject to the transient occupancy tax requirements (Chapter 2.12).  Short-term rentals might be subjected to state sales tax and are liable for payment thereof as established by state law. 

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Anaheim City website for more information.