Los Angeles allows short-term rentals — but only in your primary residence. The Home-Sharing Ordinance limits un-hosted rentals to 120 days per year and requires annual registration. This 2026 guide covers everything LA hosts need to stay compliant.
Active hosts in Los Angeles average $46,809/year in gross rental revenue (AirDNA, 2026).
📋 Los Angeles STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | Home-Sharing Registration (LA City Planning) |
| Application Fee | $89 |
| Annual Renewal | $89/year |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Moderate |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Los Angeles?
Yes — the City of LA requires a Home-Sharing Registration for STRs under 30 days. The property must be your primary residence (6+ months/year). You may only register one unit. Un-hosted rentals are capped at 120 days per calendar year. Hosted rentals (you’re present) have no nightly cap.
How to Get a Los Angeles Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Confirm primary residence status — you must live there 6+ months/year
- Register with the LA Department of City Planning and obtain your Home-Sharing Registration Number
- Pay the $89 annual fee
- Display your registration number on all listings
- Track un-hosted nights — capped at 120 days/year without Extended Home-Sharing approval ($850)
- Review your HOA or lease — restrictions override city permission
Los Angeles Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home-Sharing Registration | $89/year | Annual renewal required |
| Extended Home-Sharing Review | $850 | Required to exceed 120 un-hosted nights |
| Discretionary Review | $5,660 | For extended applications needing additional review |
| Per-Night Enforcement Fee | ~$3.20/night | CPI-adjusted annually |
The base fee is just $89/year — among the lowest of any major US city. The 120 un-hosted night cap is the real constraint. Extended Home-Sharing approval costs $850 and may require discretionary review.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Los Angeles Hosts
- Primary residence only — 6+ months/year occupancy required
- One home-sharing unit allowed per host
- Un-hosted rentals capped at 120 days/year without Extended Home-Sharing approval
- Registration number must appear on all listings and advertisements
- HOA/lease restrictions take precedence over city permission
- $3.20/night enforcement fee collected by platforms
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Los Angeles
14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this automatically for most hosts.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Los Angeles
Fines, listing removal, and legal action for unregistered operation, exceeding the 120-night cap, or renting a non-primary residence.
How HostStarter Handles Los Angeles STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Los Angeles’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Los Angeles revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Los Angeles?
Yes. Home-Sharing Registration required. Primary residence only. Un-hosted rentals limited to 120 nights/year.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Los Angeles?
$89/year base registration. Extended Home-Sharing approval costs $850.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Los Angeles?
4–6 weeks. Extended Home-Sharing applications requiring discretionary review can take several months.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Los Angeles?
14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Airbnb collects and remits this automatically for most hosts.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Los Angeles?
Fines, listing removal, and potential legal action for unregistered operation or exceeding the un-hosted night cap.