Los Angeles, California Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

The City began enforcing the Home-Sharing Ordinance on November 1, 2019. According to the Home-Sharing Ordinance (CF 14-1635-S2), Los Angeles allows home-sharing if your listing is your primary residence, where the property host lives for more than six months of the year. Occupancy Limits. A maximum of two persons (excluding children) per Habitable Room may sleep in a Home-Sharing unit (Maximum Sleeping Capacity). The Host shall identify the number of Habitable Rooms and include an e-signed Declaration that they will not advertise nor book any guest stays that exceed the Maximum Sleeping Capacity. The property is located in a residential zone. Home-Sharing is only an authorized use in zones where residential uses are permitted by right, as specified by LAMC Section 12.22 A.32. In M (Manufacturing), OS (Open Space), and PF (Public Facility) zones, residential uses are generally forbidden. Check the City's online Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS).  More information about fines and enforcement can be found in the Home-Sharing Ordinance and the Administrative Guidelines.

Business License Requirements

Potential hosts should register with their city for a Home-sharing permit. If applicable, apply for all State and County licenses. Operators of short-term rentals can only register one property per city at a time.  After you've registered, your property can only accommodate renters for up to 120 days each year. You can apply for extended home-sharing if you want to go beyond this restriction. Pay the $850 registration fee for prolonged home-sharing. People living in rented housing should get permission from their landlord before applying for a home-sharing permit. Hosts should keep records of all bookings for at least three years, including the length of each home-sharing visit. Second homes and vacation rentals are not eligible to apply for home-sharing. If applicable, apply for all State and County licenses. 

Building and Housing Standards

Los Angeles 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. View the City Building Code Ordinance and consult the Building & Safety Department for more information. 

Tourist and Local Taxes

Unless the applicant lists their primary residence exclusively on Hosting Platforms with a Platform Agreement with the City of Los Angeles, the applicant must register with the Office of Finance to pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).  If applicable, apply for all State and County taxes. 

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 Los Angeles website for more information.