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Short-term rental rules

Running an Airbnb in Los Angeles, California

Under the Home-Sharing Ordinance, Los Angeles restricts short-term rentals to a host's primary residence and requires annual registration, with a default cap of 120 nights per year unless extended home-sharing approval is obtained. Guests pay the city transient occupancy tax.

11 of 13 fields confirmedLast checked 18 Jul 2026 Lodging tax in Los Angeles

The rules

Every field, with its source

Anything not confirmed on an official source shows as Verify with jurisdiction rather than a guess.

Licence or permit required
YesReported

Hosts must register under the Home-Sharing Ordinance; registration is valid one year and renewed annually.

Source
Primary residence required
YesReported

The property must be the host's primary residence, occupied for at least 183 days per year.

Source
Annual night cap
About 120 nights per yearReported

Maximum 120 days per calendar year unless an extended home-sharing application is approved.

Source
Zoning restricted
Verify with jurisdictionUnverified

Rent-stabilised units are generally ineligible; broader zoning restriction not confirmed.

Permit number shown on listing
RequiredReported

A valid registration number must appear on listings.

Source
Register or apply
https://planning.lacity.gov/blog/what-home-sharing-programReported
Source
Enforcement notes
Standard home-sharing is limited to 120 nights per year; exceeding it requires extended home-sharing approval with higher fees and possible discretionary review.Reported
Source

Check eligibility

Can you run each type of STR in Los Angeles?

A deterministic read of the cited rules for each common use type. When a governing rule is unknown, the verdict says so rather than guessing.

My primary residence (home-share)

Allowed with a permit

Short-term rentals are allowed in Los Angeles once you obtain the required licence and follow the rules below.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://planning.lacity.gov/blog/what-home-sharing-program
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • This city ties short-term rentals to a primary residence. Non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are limited or barred.
  • There is an annual cap of about 120 nights for non-primary or unhosted rentals.
  • Standard home-sharing is limited to 120 nights per year; exceeding it requires extended home-sharing approval with higher fees and possible discretionary review.

Confidence: high. You live there and rent it while away or rent a room.

A whole second home / investment property

Restricted

In Los Angeles, an STR that is not your primary residence is restricted. A home-share of your own residence is the usual path.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://planning.lacity.gov/blog/what-home-sharing-program
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • This city ties short-term rentals to a primary residence. Non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are limited or barred.
  • There is an annual cap of about 120 nights for non-primary or unhosted rentals.
  • Standard home-sharing is limited to 120 nights per year; exceeding it requires extended home-sharing approval with higher fees and possible discretionary review.

Confidence: high. A dedicated STR that is not your primary residence.

An ADU, basement or garage unit

Allowed with a permit

Short-term rentals are allowed in Los Angeles once you obtain the required licence and follow the rules below.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://planning.lacity.gov/blog/what-home-sharing-program
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • This city ties short-term rentals to a primary residence. Non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are limited or barred.
  • There is an annual cap of about 120 nights for non-primary or unhosted rentals.
  • Standard home-sharing is limited to 120 nights per year; exceeding it requires extended home-sharing approval with higher fees and possible discretionary review.

Confidence: high. An accessory dwelling on your property.

Unhosted, whole-unit, no owner on site

Restricted

In Los Angeles, an STR that is not your primary residence is restricted. A home-share of your own residence is the usual path.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://planning.lacity.gov/blog/what-home-sharing-program
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • This city ties short-term rentals to a primary residence. Non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are limited or barred.
  • There is an annual cap of about 120 nights for non-primary or unhosted rentals.
  • Standard home-sharing is limited to 120 nights per year; exceeding it requires extended home-sharing approval with higher fees and possible discretionary review.

Confidence: high. The strictest category in most cities.

LodgeDeck reports publicly available short-term rental rules and lodging tax rates and cites the source of each field. It is not legal or tax advice and it does not replace your own review. Ordinances and tax rates change often and automated collection can lag, so every field shows the source it came from and a confidence flag, and unconfirmed values are marked Unverified. Confirm with the jurisdiction before you rely on a rule or rate.

FAQ

Common questions about Los Angeles

Do I need a licence to run an Airbnb in Los Angeles?

Yes. Los Angeles requires a short-term rental licence or registration before you list. Hosts must register under the Home-Sharing Ordinance; registration is valid one year and renewed annually.

Does a short-term rental have to be my primary residence in Los Angeles?

Yes. Los Angeles ties short-term rentals to a primary residence, so non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are limited or barred. The property must be the host's primary residence, occupied for at least 183 days per year.

Is there a night cap on short-term rentals in Los Angeles?

Yes. Los Angeles has an annual cap of about 120 nights for the affected rental types. Maximum 120 days per calendar year unless an extended home-sharing application is approved.

Do I have to show my permit number on the listing in Los Angeles?

Yes. Los Angeles requires a valid permit or registration number to appear on the listing itself. A valid registration number must appear on listings.

What lodging tax will my guest pay in Los Angeles?

A guest pays roughly 14 percent combined lodging tax in Los Angeles. See the full lodging-tax breakdown for the state and local components.

See the lodging tax a guest pays in Los Angeles

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