Short-Term Rental Regulations — California
Hosts in Los Angeles must obtain a permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The permit fee is $192, renewable Annual. Los Angeles restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties only, meaning you must live in the home you are renting out. Rentals are capped at 120 days per year. An occupancy tax of 14% applies to all short-term rental income. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically.
Day Limit Notes
Cap of 120 days per year; can apply for extended home-sharing to host up to 365 days.
⚠ Tax Notes
14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
⚠ Prohibited Zones
Rent-stabilized (RSO) units, affordable housing, and non-primary residences.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles requires a permit to operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $192 and must be renewed Annual. You must obtain this permit before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms.
What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Los Angeles?
Short-term rentals in Los Angeles are subject to a 14% occupancy tax. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts — you do not need to handle it separately. 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Can I rent out a property I don't live in as an Airbnb in Los Angeles?
No. Los Angeles restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties. You must live in the home as your primary residence to list it as a short-term rental. Investment properties or second homes cannot be listed as STRs.
How many days per year can I rent my property in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles limits short-term rentals to 120 days per calendar year. Exceeding this limit can result in fines or permit revocation. Cap of 120 days per year; can apply for extended home-sharing to host up to 365 days.
Does Airbnb collect occupancy taxes in Los Angeles?
Yes. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit the 14% occupancy tax in Los Angeles on behalf of hosts. You do not need to separately collect or remit this tax — it is handled at the platform level.
Are there any prohibited zones for short-term rentals in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles prohibits short-term rentals in certain areas: Rent-stabilized (RSO) units, affordable housing, and non-primary residences.. Always verify your property's zoning status with the local planning department before listing.
Do I need to register my short-term rental in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city. This is separate from any permit requirement and typically involves providing property information and contact details to the local authority.
Official Source
Los Angeles City Government
Last verified: 2026-03-23 · Always confirm with your local government before listing.