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What is the Los Angeles Home-Sharing Ordinance?
The Los Angeles Home-Sharing Ordinance, effective July 1, 2019, establishes the legal framework for short-term rental activities. It defines home-sharing as the rental of a host's primary residence for periods of 30 consecutive days or less.
The ordinance requires hosts to obtain a registration number from the city, which must be displayed on all listings. Its primary goals are to permit residents to earn income from their homes while preventing the loss of long-term housing stock and preserving neighborhood character.
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How it works
To comply with the ordinance, a host must apply for a Home-Sharing Registration number through the Los Angeles City Planning online portal. The application process requires proof that the property is the host's primary residence, typically verified through government-issued documents.
Once approved, the registration number must be included on any advertisement or listing platform, such as Airbnb or Vrbo. Rentals are capped at 120 days per calendar year.
Hosts can apply for 'Extended Home-Sharing' to exceed this cap if they have a clean compliance record and meet other specific city criteria. Hosts are also responsible for collecting and remitting the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all bookings.
Why it matters
For property owners in Los Angeles, this ordinance is critical for legal operation and avoiding substantial penalties. It strictly limits eligibility to primary residences, meaning second homes and investment properties cannot be used as short-term rentals.
The 120-day annual cap directly impacts potential revenue and requires careful calendar management. Operating without a valid, displayed registration number can lead to fines for both the host and the booking platform, underscoring the importance of full compliance with all administrative requirements.
Examples
- A homeowner in Silver Lake wanting to rent out a spare room while on vacation must first register their home with the city and obtain a home-sharing number before listing it online.
- An operator who owns two properties in Venice can only legally short-term rent the one that serves as their documented primary residence; the second property is ineligible for home-sharing.
- A host who has already rented their property for 115 days receives a booking for 10 days. They must decline the booking to avoid exceeding the 120-day annual limit, unless they have an Extended Home-Sharing permit.
- When creating a Vrbo listing for their condo in Downtown LA, a host is required to enter their city-issued home-sharing registration number in the designated field to make the listing active and compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent out my second home or investment property as a short-term rental in Los Angeles?+
What is the 120-day limit under the LA Home-Sharing Ordinance?+
Are properties under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) eligible for home-sharing?+
Do I need a business license in addition to the home-sharing registration?+
Related terms
STR Permit
An STR permit is an official license issued by a local government authority that legally allows a property to be operated as a short-term rental.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax levied by local or state governments on the rental of short-term accommodations, such as vacation rentals, hotels, and…
Business License
A business license for a vacation rental is an official permit issued by a government authority, granting the holder the legal right to operate a short-term…
Zoning Laws
Zoning laws are municipal or county regulations that dictate how property in specific geographic zones can be used, which directly impacts the legality and…