The City of West Hollywood defines short term rentals as condos or single-family residences that hosts can rent for 31 days or more. These include properties that qualify under the Sunset Specific Plan. Stays of less than 31 days for compensation or any other housing use in West Hollywood are prohibited. Also, all apartments or other rental units like ADUs or Duplexes must be rented for a minimum of a 1-year lease. The following is a complete guideline for West Hollywood’s short term rental regulations so that anyone can be a responsible host. This rundown should give you a good start in understanding your local laws.
Home Sharing License
All property owners who would like to host a guest for fewer than 31 days must register with the City. To operate their short term rental, property owners must obtain a Home Sharing Business License.
Property owners can only obtain a Home Sharing Business License if they own the unit or reside in it during the entire stay of a paying guest.
Business License Application
Property owners can register for a Home Sharing Business License on West Hollywood’s website. Along with other details, they must provide proof of identity, ownership, and residency. As per the vacation rental rules and regulations, Renters are not qualified for Home Sharing Business Licenses.
Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance regulates the use of short term rentals in West Hollywood. To check whether your listing is compatible with zoning requirements, you must consult the zoning ordinance. You can also use definitions. Key terms include “allowed use,” “accessory use,” “dwelling unit,” “dwelling,” “bed and breakfast inns.” In addition, other keywords are “hotel,” “urban inn,” and “residential unit conversion.”
Rent Control
West Hollywood has its own set of vacation rental rules and regulations related to renting control. In fact, they might be a bit complicated. The rules include requirements affecting the conversion of a residential unit into one that is of non-residential use. For more information, you can review the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
Building and Construction Regulations
The Municipal Code encourages minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings. It also specifies regulations on health, habitability, and safety. Therefore, specific laws relevant to residential and non-residential uses may apply to your listing.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
After property owners have applied for a Home Sharing Business License, they must pay the required TOT. The TOT is Transient Occupancy Tax, which is currently 12.5%. It applies to vacation homes, hotels, inns, or other vacation rentals. Property owners can pay TOT directly through the City’s Registration and Tax Payment Portal online. Taxes must be paid every month and are due by the last day of the month following the reporting period. So taxes for January will be scheduled by the end of February, and so on.
Other Short Term Rental Regulations
As a responsible host, you need to abide by other contracts or regulations that bind you. These include leases, community rules, HOA rules, or other guidelines set up by tenant associations. Feel free to reach out to your landlord, housing authority, or community council to find out more. To get more information about other regulations, you can also visit West Hollywood’s official website or contact us.