Los Angeles, one of the largest and most popular cities in the United States, continues to thrive as a hub for short-term rentals. The City updated its short-term rental regulations in 2018, officially implementing them on July 1st, 2019. Below is a detailed and updated overview of Los Angeles’ vacation rental rules and regulations, guiding hosts on how to comply and operate responsibly.
Los Angeles Short-Term Rental Regulations Summary
- Potential hosts must register with the city and obtain a Home-Sharing permit at a fee of $89 per year.
- Short-term rental operators can only register one property at a time within the city limits.
- A host can only register their primary residence, which is defined as the location where they live for at least half of the year.
- For hosts intending to rent their primary residence for more than 120 days annually, applying for an ‘Extended Home-Sharing’ permit is mandatory.
- Hosts must display their home-sharing registration number prominently in their listings.
- Properties under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) are not eligible for home-sharing.
- The home-sharing permit remains valid for one year from issuance and must be renewed annually.
Los Angeles Home-Sharing Regulations
Under the Home-Sharing Ordinance (CF 14-1635-S2), Los Angeles allows home-sharing exclusively at the host’s primary residence. Annual registration costs $89.
Registration requires the following:
- Valid Photo Identification (passport, state ID card, or driver’s license).
- Documentation confirming primary residence.
- Written landlord approval, including a signed affidavit affirming permission for home-sharing activity at the rental property.
Hosts receive a pending permit number upon submission, which must be listed publicly while the City processes the application. Once verified, hosts receive an email confirming the approval of their registration.
Hosts are allowed to register and manage only one primary residence for home-sharing within the city. Temporary accommodations like tents, trailers, vehicles, and storage sheds do not qualify.
Properties covered by Los Angeles’ Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) are ineligible for home-sharing permits.
Renters must have explicit written approval from their landlords for home-sharing registration. Additionally, hosts must maintain detailed booking records—including the duration of each guest’s stay—for at least three years.
Standard home-sharing registration limits rentals to a maximum of 120 days per calendar year. Hosts wishing to exceed this cap must apply for the extended home-sharing permit.
Other Los Angeles Short-Term Rental Essential Requirements
Hosts must prominently display their home-sharing registration number and clearly state the code of conduct in their property listings. Regulations include restrictions such as:
- No loud or amplified sound after 10 pm.
- Evening outdoor gatherings are limited to eight individuals (excluding children).
- Hosts assume responsibility for guest behavior and neighborhood disturbances.
Los Angeles Extended Home-Sharing Regulations
Hosts aiming to rent their primary residence for more than 120 days per year must register for extended home-sharing, adhering to these guidelines:
- Applicants must first hold a standard home-sharing registration number.
- Proof of having hosted for at least 60 days is required.
- Hosts must have no more than one citation within the previous three years.
- Applicants must upload evidence confirming their submission of the extended home-sharing application.
- An $850 registration fee is required for extended home-sharing.
Additional Short-Term Rental Compliance
Responsible hosting involves adhering to all applicable rental agreements, community rules, Homeowners’ Association (HOA) guidelines, and tenant association regulations. For clarification or further information, hosts are encouraged to consult landlords, housing authorities, or local community councils. Additional details can also be accessed through the official Los Angeles city website or by reaching out directly to city representatives.
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